Community News

A Dollar Well Spent-Spiritual Matters by Rev Chris Sparks

Everyone likes Minties! Yes?
That’s why I tell the kids on our Canberra excursion itinerary that the next stop is the Mintie factory. That doesn’t deceive everyone. They know that the sweet spot I’ve alluded to is really the Canberra Mint – the facility that produces the coins that circulate in the pockets and purses of many Australians.
Browsing around the shop at the Mint is fascinating. One quickly realizes that Australian coins reflect an artistry that is quite masterfull and that over many years, the Mint has produced some of the most beautiful and significant coinage imaginable. Many examples of these gold and silver coins literally glisten under the glare of the bright lights – secure in their showcases – and tease the senses with a desire to reach in and touch the untouchable.
Aside from all this glitter, what caught my eye the other day were a variety of folded cardboard pouches designed to hold, store and display collections of coins – a folder for each denomination – featuring a different design. These commemorate important historical events unique to Australia and our heritage. The upshot of this was my decision to purchase a folder designed to hold thirty-two 50c coins, each depicting a different design in a particular year. So far, I’ve managed to find eleven examples to place in my folder. I’m still looking!
Elsewhere in the Mint, my attention was drawn to a large display recounting the story of the design and production of a very special one-dollar coin. The idea for this coin evolved from the realisation that bushfires, a global pandemic, a housing crisis and catastrophic floods have placed huge economic pressures on our people. Some one in five Australians (according to a recent report) say they require some degree of financial help – either for themselves or for their families. But charities committed to meeting this need always struggle to find enough resources.

After researching the issue, the Australian Mint rose to the challenge, and have produced, and plan to distribute, millions of these beautiful “Donation Dollars” as a daily reminder to give to others. Two in five Australians, finding a Donation Dollar in their change, say that it really would encourage them to give more to charity. And the beauty of this initiative is that these charities will receive funds in small, but regular amounts, all year-round – the Donation Dollar serving as a tangible reminder of those most in need. An amazing, though simple idea!
So when you find one in your change, please pass it on. Donate it to the charity of your choice. The Mint plans to produce one coin for every Australian, and if we all donated one a month, an additional $300 million each year would flow to those in need!

Jesus would applaud this initiative. Giving to others was endemic to his very nature during his short sojourn on mother earth. While he had few of the world’s physical resources during this time, he gave of himself, sacrificially. Those with chronic health problems; those cast aside by society; those labouring under intolerable personal, social and religious burdens; all were recipients of Jesus’ inexhaustible love and practical help.
Not only that, but he urged us all to follow in his footsteps, looking out for those in need – not just once in a while, but by cultivating a commitment to give that becomes ingrained within our hearts and actions. Just like Christ himself!