Norma Seymour, local resident was one of the first to exchange $100.00 for one hundred Toronto Dollars. By so doing she created 10 dollars for the campaign to raise twenty thousand dollars for free youth programs at the St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre.

"It’s a neat idea," says Miren Iribarren who was selling the money at the launch on December 7. "I’m going to exchange some money myself. I know I’ll be able to spend it in a wink. Plus I’ll get to find out which businesses in the neighbourhood are community minded and who care enough about the kids that live here."

In the first few minutes, six hundred dollars was exchanged, creating sixty dollars for the centre.

During the week, Robert Huff, a creative and enthusiastic supporter, will be selling Toronto Dollars at the reception desk. James Honeyman, recreation co-ordinator has been spearheading the drive, along with supervisor Ann Doggett.

People can now also get Toronto Dollars from the ATM machine in the lobby of the St. Lawrence market. "This could be a great model for fundraising in this area and across Toronto. With so many cutbacks it’s important for us all to stop feeling helpless and get out there and do something especially since it doesn’t cost anybody anything, except a bit of their time," says Toronto Dollar’s new president, Susan Bellan.