Fastway rounds up 9 tonnes of currency for Heads Up for Kids

21 December 2011

Fastway rounds up 9 tonnes of currency for Heads Up for Kids

Fastway Couriers has partnered with the Lions Club of New Zealand to collect and deliver over 9 tonnes of old and foreign currency during the last 18 months, all in the name of helping Kiwi kids learn and grow.

Fastway New Zealand Chief Executive, Bruce Speers, says although Fastway has operations spanning three continents, the franchise is still owned and run from its headquarters in Hawkes Bay – where the company began almost thirty years ago.

"Fastway is absolutely dedicated to serving the people of New Zealand and part of this commitment involves giving back to local communities by assisting with a range of charitable initiatives," says Speers.

For almost 18 months, Lions Club New Zealand has been encouraging New Zealanders to donate their obsolete coins or unwanted foreign currency as part of their unique Heads Up for Kids campaign. The coins and notes are subsequently exchanged for legal tender via the Reserve Bank, scrap metal dealers or international coin companies to raise funds for disadvantaged children.

As the exclusive courier sponsor for Heads Up for Kids, Fastway Couriers have travelled far and wide to collect unusable money from various pickup points, and deliver it to the project’s head office in Wellington – free of charge.

"So far, the initiative has collected a total of more than $220,000 to fund leadership programs and scholarships for the youth of New Zealand – and with an estimated $116 million worth of obsolete currency still lodged behind the nation's collective couches, there remains a lot more good we can bring to the community," says Speers.

A portion of the donations were recently used by the charity to fund a week-long adventure for a group of 60 Wellington Year 9 and Year 10 students at the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre, located next to Tongariro National Park.

The students, who were selected from Taita and Naenae Colleges based on their diligence, behavior and attendance, received scholarships to attend the intensive course to help them develop self-confidence and leadership skills.

Simon Hayes, Queenstown Lion and Project Chairman for Heads Up for Kids, says the charity is an excellent example of schools, local organisations and corporates uniting to make a real difference in the community.

"I want to say a huge thank you to Fastway Couriers for backing the campaign early on. Each and every one of the franchises involved has put in a lot of hard work to help this cause and together, we'll continue to turn old money into a significant investment in New Zealand's future," says Mr Hayes.

ENDS

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