THE CYPRUS Red Cross (CRC) is appealing to the public to donate their old Cyprus coins when the dual circulation period for the Cyprus pound and the euro ends on January 31.
From February 1, the old Cyprus coinage will no longer acceptable in retail outlets. The Cyprus Red Cross Society (CRCS), in conjunction with the Central Bank, has developed the perfect solution, they say.
The ‘Change in our Hearts’, campaign is designed give the public the perfect opportunity to help people in need.
“Everyone has old Cyprus coins, even though they are no longer accepted in retail stores on the island. However, with the support of the Central Bank of Cyprus, the CRCS is able to collect these old coins and exchange them for euros at any time,” said First Lady Fotini Papadopoulou, the President of the Cyprus Red Cross.
“Our job is to communicate to the public that every Cypriot coin – however big or small – lying around the house and in their pockets still has a value and a worthwhile job to fulfill. They just need to collect them and drop them into our boxes around the country.”
Through over 1,000 collection boxes and piggy banks nationwide, the CRCS plans to encourage the public to find and donate its old Cyprus coinage to worthy causes run by the charity in Cyprus.
‘Change in our Hearts’ will run for as long as there are still old coins in the market, so the charity has devised a whole programme of activities starting this month – aimed at both children and adults – to build awareness of its campaign.
Papadopoulou added: “As well as our collection boxes across the country, positioned in easy-to-reach retail stores and banks, we have planned some very innovative activities such as schools competitions with the Ministry of Education, major pop concert sponsorships and tours with a giant two metre piggy box to smaller regional towns and villages nationwide.”
“Now is the time to collect these coins and we know the Cyprus public, as always, will help the CRCS to collect this old money and distribute it to where it can do most good for those people less fortunate than ourselves.”
n For details of CRCS collection box and piggy locations nationwide, please visit the Society’s website at www.redcross.org.cy or call 90031555. For further information on children’s and adults activities planned for the ‘Change in our Hearts Campaign’, please call the CRCS Headquarters at tel. 22-666955.
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