Citizens can donate their coins until the end of the year at more than 1,500 parish offices and Caritas centres across the country. The collected money will be exchanged for euros and distributed to those in need through the Caritas network - supporting the elderly, sick, large families, and those at risk of poverty and social exclusion.
Minister of Labour, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy Marin Piletić supported the initiative, emphasising that Caritas remains a key government partner in providing social services. "For decades, Croatian Caritas has been a pillar of support for those most in need, and through this project, the kuna, although no longer an official currency, can find a new purpose - bringing joy, smiles, and relief to those who receive it," the minister said.
He highlighted that Caritas institutions are among the leading providers of social services, including care for the elderly and infirm, organised housing, and meeting the basic needs of socially vulnerable individuals.
The director of Croatian Caritas, Friar Tomislav Glavnik, said that, according to data from the Croatian National Bank, approximately 155 million euros worth of kuna and lipa coins are still in circulation and have yet to be exchanged.