The Coins for Kids campaign isn’t quite halfway to matching its 2016 total yet, so more people are needed who can spare some change for a good cause.
The year-round Nanaimo News Bulletin fundraiser sees coins collected for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Vancouver Island and Great Nanaimo Toy Drive.
In 2016, $5,000 was raised and Pete MacDonald, Coins for Kids volunteer, said he would like to see that matched in 2017.
“We got just over [$5,000] last year, so we’re about on track for that … it’s $2,000 right now,” said MacDonald.
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Quality Foods has been a longtime assistant in the campaign and according to Daniel Brown, manager of the University Village store, it is worthwhile.
“It’s a great program,” said Brown. “We’ve been doing it for years … It’s great for the community.”
MacDonald said he’s hoping the $5,000 goal can be met by Dec. 31.
Coins for Kids evolved from the Pennies for Presents campaign, after the Royal Canadian Mint the penny was taken out of circulation in 2013 and in all, more than $170,000 has been raised since the fundraiser began in 1996.
Coin boxes are situated at the News Bulletin office at 777 Poplar St., all three Quality Foods stores, John’s Bedroom Barn, Northridge Fitness, Lakeside Gardens Retirement Community, Nanaimo Seniors’ Village, Gold and Silver Guy and Pleasant Valley and École Quarterway elementary schools.
reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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