A unique fundraiser has paint stores swimming in old cash. Edward Rooney reports
Zora Vitsovich says handling a bunch of old money makes her feel ancient - but she's willing to put up with it for the kids.
"Do you remember the ha'penny?" she laughs. "What about the tuppence? I'm horrified to admit that I do."
More than 100kg of old coins have been poured into a Resene store collection centre in New Lynn over the past three months, a big chunk of the seven-tonne national total. In just one month, the company's Orakei store also amassed 100kg.
The currency that has lost its, ah, currency is being stockpiled by Lions Clubs in the Heads Up for Kids fundraiser for children's charities.
The Reserve Bank estimates millions of dollars in obsolete coins and banknotes are lying around in drawers and cupboards in households throughout the country.
The cash cannot be used as legal tender. However, it can be redeemed at the Reserve Bank in Wellington - dollar for dollar. Foreign currencies will be redeemed in their countries of origin through the Lions' international network.
Since its launch in July last year, the campaign has raised more than $120,000, and coins continue to rattle in.
Lions zone chairwoman, Mrs Vitsovich, hopes a few more tonnes will arrive before the campaign ends in July. "It's been coming in from everywhere. We've had pensioners come in with their tins and schools in the area have got right behind it with coin trails."
She says some notes and coins will also be auctioned on Trade Me.
Foreign coins are shipped to an overseas coin company which sorts and exchanges them for Kiwi dollars.
The last shipment included 50 different currencies, including those of Belize and the Falkland Islands, highlighting what great travellers - and magpies - Kiwis can be.
Copper coins are sold as highly prized scrap metal and melted down for mechanical and building materials.
The money raised will help teachers training for the Lions Quest scheme, which offers a year-round life skills course for new entrants through to Year 8 or 9. More than 11,500 teachers from 1550 schools have so far taken part in training, reaching more than a quarter of a million students.
Funds will also furnish young people with scholarships to attend the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre, the Spirit of Adventure, The Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Outward Bound.
CASHING IN
Collection continues of:
- old New Zealand coins and notes
- Australian coins and notes
- other foreign banks' coins and notes
- any loose current change.
The money can be dropped off at Resene ColorShops or Resene retailers, or call 0800
653 666 for collection.
