So, as THE STAR reminded us yesterday, 'red money' is so disdained that quite a few business places and even a conductor on a JUTC bus refused to take the coins as payment for goods and services.

Of course, it is not the official policy of the various companies not to accept the coins for units of money under one dollar, but, the stance of the individuals at the place that really counts - the point of sale (or collection, as the case may be).

Only the poor are truly dismissive of money, any money, while the wealthy scrimp and save every cent they can, whatever the colour. It would be interesting to find out just how much 'red money' is in circulation, because if someone could collect a substantial amount of it they would be very rich indeed.

Telling people that the 'red money' is worth something will not change attitudes. What would be of significant use, though, is if this money could be collected by charitable organisations. It is not inconceivable that a 'red money' drive would be able to haul in a much-needed injection of cash, with the hauling around of the coins being the only drawback to the process.

It must be noted, though, that as the story said, many times people refuse to take the 'red money' as change. They should be aware that they are contributing to the profit margin of either the individual cashier or the organisation as a whole.

And those collecting certainly do not turn up their noses at the colour of money.