South Georgian Bay food banks are set to receive a much-needed boost thanks to a community fundraiser that transforms forgotten currency into meaningful support for local families.
The initiative, dubbed “Change for Change,” invites residents to donate foreign currency, outdated Canadian bills, and unused gift cards that might otherwise collect dust in drawers and travel bags throughout the region.
“We’ve all got them – those euros from last summer’s trip, an old five-dollar bill from before the polymer series, maybe even gift cards with small balances we’ll never use,” explains Rebecca Matheson, coordinator of the South Georgian Bay Food Security Network. “Individually, they seem insignificant, but collectively, they add up to real support for our food banks.”
The timing couldn’t be better. According to Feed Ontario’s 2023 Hunger Report, food bank usage across the province has increased by 38 percent since 2019, with rural communities like those in South Georgian Bay facing particular challenges due to transportation barriers and seasonal employment fluctuations.
The fundraiser works by collecting these overlooked financial resources at drop boxes placed in local businesses throughout Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and Meaford. The currency is then processed through partnerships with financial institutions and currency exchange services, with proceeds directed to area food banks.
Local resident Tom Harrington donated a collection of international coins and bills he’d accumulated over years of business travel. “It was just sitting in a box in my office,” Harrington said during a community drop-off event at the Collingwood Public Library. “Knowing it’ll help feed families here at home gives those souvenirs real purpose.”
The initiative has gained traction with local businesses as well. Collingwood’s Harbor Street Bakery has committed to matching the first $1,000 raised through the program.
“Food security touches everyone in our community,” notes bakery owner Janine Cooper. “Whether it’s our summer visitors or year-round residents, we all want to know our neighbours have enough to eat.”
Statistics from the Georgian Bay Food Network reveal that approximately 1,200 individuals in the South Georgian Bay area rely on food bank services each month, with nearly 40 percent being children. The need typically intensifies during winter months when seasonal tourism jobs decrease and heating costs rise.
“What makes this fundraiser special is that it doesn’t ask people to dig into their regular budgets,” says Michael Travers, volunteer coordinator at the Wasaga Beach Food Bank. “Instead, it unlocks value from items that aren’t currently serving any purpose for their owners.”
The initiative also addresses an environmental concern by preventing unused gift cards from ending up in landfills. Plastic gift cards contain PVC, which doesn’t biodegrade and can release harmful chemicals when incinerated.
Local environmental advocate Sarah Chen praises this aspect of the program. “It’s a perfect example of how community care and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand,” she told a group gathered at a recent community council meeting.
The fundraiser has caught the attention of municipal leaders as well. Collingwood Councillor David Thompson highlighted the program during last week’s council session, urging residents to check their homes for potential donations.
“Our community has always stepped up to support each other,” Thompson said. “This innovative approach gives us yet another way to do that without creating additional financial strain on households already dealing with inflation.”
Program organizers have set a goal of raising $10,000 by the end of December, which would provide approximately 30,000 meals to community members in need, based on Food Banks Canada’s calculation that every dollar donated can provide three meals.
The initiative follows several challenging years for food banks across the region. During the height of the pandemic, the Collingwood Food Bank reported a 25 percent increase in first-time users, many from households that had never previously required food assistance.
“What we’re seeing isn’t just about poverty in the traditional sense,” explains Matheson. “It’s about working families facing impossible choices between rent, utilities, transportation, and food. When inflation hits every category at once, food is often where people are forced to cut back.”
For those looking to contribute, donation boxes are available at the Collingwood Public Library, Wasaga Beach Town Hall, various grocery stores throughout the region, and most local credit unions. The program accepts foreign currency of any denomination, Canadian currency no longer in circulation, and gift cards with remaining balances.
“Even a half-used gift card for a store you don’t shop at can make a difference,” Travers points out. “Ten dollars might not seem like much, but it can provide a day’s meals for a family of four.”
As winter approaches and holiday expenses loom, organizers hope this creative approach to fundraising will help ensure no one in South Georgian Bay goes hungry during the coldest months of the year.
