The Royal Australian Mint has launched an initiative to get more Donation Dollars into the hands of Australians in the lead-up to Christmas.
The initiative, which was launched on Thursday, November 24 from newsXpress retail stores nationwide, is designed to encourage people to swap their change for Donation Dollars and increase charitable giving this festive season.
The Donation Dollar is an officially circulating coin, which can be spent like any other one-dollar coin.
However the Donation Dollar coin features a green centre with a gold ripple design, which symbolises the impact donations have on their recipients. The coin is also inscribed with the words ‘Give to Help Others’.
Once a coin is received, the recipient is encouraged to donate the Donation Dollar wherever cash donations are accepted.
The Mint decided to roll out the initiative at newsXpress stores to make it more accessible to Australians.
NewsXpress stores managing director Mark Fletcher said it was an important initiative.
“We are excited to be working with the Royal Australian Mint,” Mr Fletcher said.
“With nearly 200 stores across Australia, newsXpress can help get Donation Dollars into the hands of thousands of Australians in all parts of the country.”
Mint chief executive Leigh Gordon said the initiative, which started in 2020, had seen about $59 million in donations.
“I encourage all Australians to visit their nearest newsXpress store and swap their regular dollars for a Donation Dollar, or check their change, car consoles and saving jars for this very special coin,” Mr Gordon said.
“When you get your hands on a Donation Dollar, remember to donate it to someone in need, whether this is a charity, homeless person or struggling business.”
The Mint has created one Donation Dollar for every Australian, with roughly 25 million in circulation.