What can I do with my leftover foreign coins?

Foreign Currency Donations provide $50K in charity support

Perspective from over 30 years of fund-raising experience

I remember the day very well. An “Unknown” person was calling and I don’t usually answer these types of calls. But on this day, I thought – this may be really important. Little did I know that the phone conversation on the shoulder of the Hwy. 412 would lead to the start of an amazing and innovative fund-raising opportunity for charities.

The call was with the owner of Continental Currency Exchange (CCE). The CCE Sudbury Branch Manager had spoken to the CCE Management Team about how to handle leftover foreign coins or bank notes that were not redeemable by the currency exchange. It is a little-known fact that the leftover currency could be repatriated and the currency could be put to great use in support of charities. Noting that there is approximately $1 Billion in leftover Foreign Currency in Ontario. Subsequent to this conversation, it was determined that many of the CCE branches had collected leftover coins and banknotes that were in storage.

As many know, when returning from a vacation or business trip via your favourite airline, the hosts of the flight often ask travelers to donate their leftover currency. Well, could we start a similar program for donations “on the ground”?The collection of Foreign Currency has been a common means of fundraising in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand for many years. In fact, one Service Club use the collection of foreign currency as their sole fund-raising activity while donating funds to multiple charities in their community.

Through efforts of a national charity and the support of Continental Currency Exchange, Canada’s first “on the ground” foreign currency collection program was born. Collectors were put in place at all of the CCE locations and the response was amazing. People began bringing their leftover foreign currency to the CCE locations and the coins and banknotes were adding up. The program has continued to grow over the years. In a short period over $20,000 was generated to assist children and adults who live with disabilities. In 2022, a new program was developed, and Currency for Kids began to collect Foreign Currency in support of children, youth, and families throughout Ontario.

Through the dedication and support of the great CCE staff, over $50,000 has been raised through donations of leftover Foreign Currency. Donations are still arriving daily in support of Currency for Kids.

Canadians are currently hoarding over $2 Billion in Foreign Currency and the flow of Foreign Currency coming into Canada continues every day. Your gift of Foreign Currency can provide the Gift of Hope to children, youth, seniors, families, and newcomers to Canada. Imagine how much assistance would be provided if everyone donated their leftover Foreign Currency.

Think about it… if you don’t donate the currency, you have stored away in a box, bag, tea cup, vase 😊, desk drawer, etc. what will you do with it?

There is a lot of available money (banknotes and coins) that has no real purpose or use at this time. Even currencies that are now out of circulation can be donated and proceeds will assist Currency for Kids. “All Currency Is Accepted” regardless of the country of origin, denomination, amount, or age.

Donations are accepted at any CCE location or reach out to the team at Global Coin Solutions (GCS) and we’ll ensure that your donation is processed and the funds are provided to support Currency for Kids.

The owners and staff at Continental Currency Exchange are to be applauded for their support of this innovative fund-raising program for charities. You can help to start changing the world, one cent at a time by dropping off your donation of leftover Foreign Currency to any Continental Currency Exchange location.

For more information contact Dennis Ullman, Vice-President (Volunteer) – Innovation and Development, Global Coin Solutions.

GCS is celebrating 9 years of supporting charities throughout North America.