A familiar group of California collectors once again made its mark at this year’s Royal Canadian Numismatic Association Convention in Calgary, blending ingenuity with generosity to raise funds for Canadian numismatic education.
Known as the “California coin searchers,” the group has spent years supporting the Canadian Association for Numismatic Education (CAFNE) through creative fundraising initiatives. Their efforts are rooted in a shared passion for bolstering youth involvement in the hobby.
This summer, they added a new twist. Alongside their usual donations of rolled Canadian coins gathered from circulation and foreign coin bags, long-time RCNA attendee Michael Turrini introduced the “10-10-10 Challenge” – a rapid-fire appeal that asked attendees to give $10 within a 10-minute window. Turrini personally matched each donation.
The challenge, combined with other CAFNE fundraising activities, helped push the convention banquet total to roughly $14,000. For Turrini and his fellow Californians, it was another opportunity to show that education and innovation go hand in hand when it comes to sustaining the hobby.
This story is available in the newest issue of Canadian Coin News released on Sept. 2. To read this important story, subscribe to CCN.