Heads Up for Kids – Old Money, Bright Futures
Helping Kiwi Kids Dream, Discover and Achieve
Heads Up for Kids is a national project of Lions Clubs New Zealand, created to support young people in unlocking life-changing opportunities. Whether it’s building confidence, exploring new experiences, or setting life goals, the programme helps tamariki and rangatahi reach their full potential.
Turn Your Forgotten Coins Into Life-Changing Opportunities
Have old New Zealand or foreign currency lying around? We collect:
- Outdated New Zealand decimal and pre-decimal coins and notes
- Foreign coins and notes (any country, any age)
These currencies are no longer accepted by banks or businesses—but through Heads Up for Kids, they’re turned into real support for real kids. Because we only collect obsolete money, we’re not competing with other fundraising efforts.
Making a Real Difference
Since launching in 2010, Lions have collected:
🪙 28.8 tonnes of coins and thousands of banknotes
💰 Nearly $612,000 raised
🚸 Supporting experiences like Spirit of Adventure and Hillary Outdoor Pursuits
💰 Nearly $612,000 raised
🚸 Supporting experiences like Spirit of Adventure and Hillary Outdoor Pursuits
Fun fact: That’s the same weight as 4 elephants, 460 cattle, or 6,450 cats!
And there’s still more to be found—The Reserve Bank of New Zealand estimates over $100 million in unclaimed old money is still out there. Our goal? Raise $1 million to empower even more Kiwi youth.
And there’s still more to be found—The Reserve Bank of New Zealand estimates over $100 million in unclaimed old money is still out there. Our goal? Raise $1 million to empower even more Kiwi youth.
Where to Donate
You can drop off your old or foreign currency at:
- Resene ColorShops – Use the store locator
- Flight Centre branches
🔔
Note to Lions Clubs
: Resene is a public collection point only. Clubs are responsible for collecting, sorting, and sending coins for counting.
How to Send Your Coins
Clubs should send sorted currency to the Counting Den using our sponsor courier, Aramex.
📦 Download the courier address label here
📦 Download the courier address label here
Got coins at home?
📞 Call 0800 OLD MONEY to arrange a pickup by a local Lion.
📞 Call 0800 OLD MONEY to arrange a pickup by a local Lion.
Funding and Applications
Heads Up for Kids funding helps support young people in:
- Reaching their academic potential
- Developing leadership skills
- Establishing life goals
- Building personal confidence and capability
📌 Please Note:
Funding is only available for activities held within New Zealand. It does not cover travel or accommodation costs.
Funding is only available for activities held within New Zealand. It does not cover travel or accommodation costs.
All applications must be supported by a New Zealand Lions Club.
If you're not connected to your local club, use our Find a Club tool to get started.
If you're not connected to your local club, use our Find a Club tool to get started.
🗓 Application Deadlines:
Trustees meet quarterly on the 3rd Wednesday of February, May, August and November.
Applications are due by the 2nd Wednesday of those months.
Trustees meet quarterly on the 3rd Wednesday of February, May, August and November.
Applications are due by the 2nd Wednesday of those months.
Grant funding Meeting | Date Application Due |
| February | 2nd Wednesday in February |
| May | 2nd Wednesday in May |
| August | 2nd Wednesday in August |
| November | 2nd Wednesday in November |
Contact Us
For more information about Heads Up for Kids, get in touch with:
📧 Ann Saunders – HU4K@lionsclubs.org.nz
📧 Ann Saunders – HU4K@lionsclubs.org.nz