Currency for Kids

Currency for Kids is a great way to support the needs for Mental Health and Wellness programs for children and youth.

It is estimated that over $2 Billion in foreign currency is currently stored or saved in Canadian homes and businesses. This currency has no use or real value in Canada. As a result, foreign currency (notes and coins), pennies, and Canadian Tire money are found in bags, boxes, envelopes, tea cups, jars and desk drawers. Did you know? Currency from travels and vacations can be donated to Currency for Kids (CFK).

Donations of currency are repatriated from countries all around the world. After being converted to Canadian currency, your donation is then used to support programs for children and youth living in vulnerable situations. In Durham Region, there is over $35 Million in foreign currency available for collection. Just imagine for a moment, what DCAF could do with this level of funding? Issues regarding mental health, youth homelessness and children and youth living in poverty could be eradicated. Similarly to how Rotary International have helped to cure the spread of Polio on an international level. As a result, everyone would be working together to support children and youth in the community.

How to Support Currency for Kids

Firstly, Currency for Kids (CFK) program is easy to support as an individual, business or with a group of volunteers. Secondly, look in your own home or business and collect the foreign currency. Thirdly, help grow the program by engaging a service club, church group, school or through an employee drive. Finally, ask your local currency exchange, travel agency or hotel. Invite friends who travel or businesses that work internationally to support. Currency for Kids also recycles by collecting and reducing waste. Unfortunately, leftover currency often ends up in local landfills as well. Most importantly, you would be supporting mental health supports for children and youth.

In addition, CFK helps to remove foreign currency from the Canadian currency supply. By removing foreign coins there is less confusion when determining if a coin is Canadian. Many coins from other countries do have a similar look as Canadian coins. These coins have no monetary value in Canada. The donated coins and notes are put to an incredible use of supporting the community. Help to keep foreign currency out of our landfills, this recycling activity also helps to keep our environment safer.

How to Donate to Currency for Kids

Mail your donations to DCAF office at 1320 Airport Blvd, OSHAWA, ON L1J 0C6. No worries about using the postal system. The currency has no value at this time, the value is only realized after it is repatriated. For larger quantities, contact our office at 905.433.1551, Ext. 2379 and to make arrangements for pick-up of your donation. Charitable Tax Receipts are available upon request, when the repatriated value exceeds $50.00 CDN.

Supporting Locations in Durham

Visit Cedar Valley Resort (Orono), Kingsway Hardware (Courtice) and Campkins RV Centre (Whitby) to make your donation of foreign or domestic currency. Additional collection locations are being added at this time.

Donate something that has little to no value to Currency for Kids. Help make a difference and ensure that No Child Shall Be Left Behind. Keep in mind, you can’t spend foreign currency in Canada.