Citizens could donate their coins until the end of 2025 at more than 1,500 parish offices and Caritas centres across the country, when the deadline for exchanging kuna coins for euros expired.
Through the project "Save the kuna from oblivion, donate it for 1,000 joys", which involved collecting kuna banknotes and coins following the introduction of the euro as the official currency on 1 January 2023, approximately 3.7 million kuna were collected in coins and banknotes and handed over to the Croatian National Bank, which will publish the exact amount in euros after the relevant processing and verification.
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.
As emphasised by Caritas Croatia in a statement issued today, it leaves behind a powerful testament to togetherness, solidarity and care for fellow citizens in need.
In expressing their gratitude to everyone who took part, Caritas stressed that the project "Save the kuna from oblivion, donate it for 1,000 joys" once again demonstrated how even the smallest gift, when given from the heart, can become a source of tangible help and hope.
"Coins that were losing their monetary value have, thanks to the goodwill of many, been transformed into a sign of closeness and solidarity with those living in hardship, and into a clear reminder that together we can build a fairer and more compassionate society," the statement said.