17 Dec 2001
Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell will today urge people to consider donating their redundant European notes and coins to give charities a cash boost which will help them carry on their invaluable work into 2002 and beyond.
There are just 14 days left in the countdown to the introduction of the Euro, which on January 1st2002 will see the national currencies of all EU countries except the UK, Sweden and Denmark replaced by the Euro, making the likes of the French Franc and the Spanish Peseta redundant.
Speaking during a visit to St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie to see how that charity is hoping to cash in on the Euro changeover Helen Liddell said:
"Scots charities could really benefit from the introduction of the Euro if people donate their old European currency. Rather than having old notes and coins sitting around gathering dust, why not think about donating them to the charity of your choice.
"I’m sure there will be many who have a collection of foreign coins and notes from summer holidays. As these currencies will no longer be able to buy a croissant or a paella on your next trip abroad why not use that money to bring a bit of happiness to others less fortunate? Now’s the chance to show our charities that we have a heart of gold, especially at this time of year when our thoughts automatically turn to those less fortunate than ourselves."
In the evening the Secretary of State will host the European Movement’s Charity Reception at the Scotland Office in Edinburgh where leading charities, politicians from across the political divide, and representatives of Scotland’s financial and travel sectors will join forces to back the call for Euro notes and coins to be given to good causes.
NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS
1. In the UK most banks will exchange legal currency notes for sterling early in 2002 and many will continue to do so beyond the official withdrawal dates for those currencies.
There are differing dates for the withdrawal of legacy currencies across the Euro areas, but all will be withdrawn by 28 February 2002. As at present UK banks will not exchange legacy currency coins.
2. In the Euro area, legacy (i.e. redundant) currency can be exchanged for Euro for most banks for some months after the end of the dual circulation period. Thereafter legacy currency may be exchanged for Euro at National Central Banks.
3. Many banks, building societies, foreign exchange outlets and travel agents throughout Scotland have charity collection boxes located on their premises, making it easy for people to donate.
4. St Andrew’s Hospice operates under the care of the Sisters of Charity. The Hospice is partly funded by Lanarkshire Health Board. It offers 20 palliative care beds, 12 beds for sick frail elderly patients, a Day Hospice with facilities for 20 patients each day and a Home Care service for those patients who prefer to remain in their home environment. St Andrew's is Lanarkshire's only Hospice and is open to all, without distinction of race, gender or creed. All services are provided free of charge to the patient. The annual running costs are approximately £2.5Million of which nearly £1.3million has to be raised each year from public donations
Over 70 Lanarkshire schools, and local businesses have all joined forces to help the charity by donating their old European currencies.
5. The European Movement is a pro-European membership organisation. It believes that the European Union should be reformed to become more democratic, de-centralised and effective. It campaigns to ensure that Britain can play a full role in its development. . It has separate national councils in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and branches throughout England. It is an international movement with branches in most European countries. Its members come from across the political spectrum including those with no party affiliation.
6. Among the invited guests at the European Movement Reception are:
Fiona Duncan, Capability Scotland
Olivia Beglon, Help the Aged
Moira Alexander, WRVS
Libby Anderson, SSPCA
David Brew, Institute of Chartered Accountants
Hilary Campbell, SCVO
Mary Cresswell, Save the Children
Ian Dickson, Dickson Travel
Ken Munro, Children in Scotland
Helen Eadie MSP
Winnie Ewing MSP
Bob Harley, HBOS
Kaliani Lyle, Citizens Advice Scotland
Donald MacRae, Lloyds TSB
John Miller, Moderator, Church of Scotland
Hilary Mountfield, Epilepsy Action
Andy Myles, RSPB Scotland
Maureen O'Neill, Age Concern
Jeremy Peat, RBS
Ray Perman, Scottish Financial Enterprise
John Swinney MSP
Hilary Vandore, Scottish Investment Trust
Dr Farquhar Macintosh, Chair European Movement