International Day of Charity falls on September 5, and in 2020, the Royal Australian Mint is marking the occasion with the release of the world’s first Donation Dollar — a one dollar coin designed to be donated.
The Royal Australian Mint intends to release millions of Donation Dollars into the rotation over a number of years; one for every Australian. Three million Donation Dollars have been released into circulation this week, so you could spot one as soon as this weekend as you pick up your Saturday morning coffee.
If you’re wondering how to spot the coins in your pocket of change, you’ll simply need to look out for a green centre and a gold ripple design, which according to a press release, is symbolic of “the ongoing impact each donation makes to those who need it most”.
The words ‘Donation Dollar’ and ‘Give to Help Others’ have been emblazoned on the coins also, as a reminder to those who come across one to pass it onto a charity or cause close to their hearts. There’s no limit to where a donation dollar must go — it’s merely a daily reminder to Australians to consider giving more often, even in small amounts.
“We’re extremely proud to introduce the world’s first Donation Dollar and tap into the Australian spirit of generosity,” says Royal Australian Mint CEO, Ross MacDiarmid.
“Like any other one dollar coin, the cycle of a Donation Dollar is ongoing, as is its potential for positive impact. If every Australian donated a Donation Dollar just once a month, it has the potential to raise an additional 300 million dollars annually for those who need it most.”
Tim Costello, chair of the Community Council for Australia and former Cheif Executive of World Vision, says the Donation Dollar has the ability to unite Australians in a common good.
“There’s no doubt in my mind this is a gift that will benefit those who are most vulnerable in our nation, starting now — a time when many need this kind of helping hand the most.”
The Donation Dollar was ideated in response to the challenging events of 2020. With the raging bushfire season and ongoing financial impacts of the pandemic, the Royal Australian Mint sought a way to encourage generosity and giving, for the one in five Australians who say they’ll require some degree of charitable aid to see them through the next 12 months, findings from The Royal Australian Mint’s Australian Generosity report show.
The same report showed 57% of Australians would donate their Donation Dollar if they happened upon one, while one in five people, who do not give to any charities, said the Donation Dollar would lead them to generosity in the long-term.
Find out more about the Donation Dollar and how you could spend your donation.