pocketful of useless change.

Some banks will not accept foreign coins for currency exchange, and these coins usually end up sitting for years in a drawer or money box, taking millions out of circulation each year.

Last week, British Airways celebrated the 57th anniversary of its Bermuda operation and, to mark that milestone, launched the "Change for Good,'' in partnership with UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, to put these unwanted coins to good use.

UNICEF is the world's biggest children's development agency, and provides basic health care, education and clean water in more than 130 countries. Every penny comes from volunteer donations.

The campaign will run until UNICEF's 50th anniversary in 1996, and it is estimated 40 million could be raised. This would make it the largest charitable fund raising initiative in the charity's history.

The scheme is the brainchild of the airline's staff, and will be run on Quantas Airlines flights, and all British Airways 747, 767 and DC10 flights.

British Airways flies DC10 aircraft on its Bermuda-London routes, so Bermudians will be able to demonstrate their renowned generosity.

British Airways decided to go ahead with Change for Good after trials on flights between London and New York in December last year. Passengers donated large sums in foreign change, and the scheme was officially launched by HRH The Duchess of Kent, UK UNICEF patron, British Airways Chairman Sir Colin Marshall, and Mr. James P. Grant, UNICEF Executive Director, in ceremonies at London's Heathrow Airport in February.

Mr. Philip Troake, local British Airways Manager said: "We carry more than 25 million people a year, and their spare foreign coins would literally be pennies from heaven for the world's less fortunate children. During this first month of the campaign, passengers have proved to be most generous, giving far more than we dared to hope for.

"Bermudians have been taking part by placing their unwanted foreign coins and notes in special envelopes in their headset packs. Dedicating the first 50,000 to Tanzania is particularly timely. The country is under great pressure from Rwandan refugees, but this money will ensure that vital children's aid programmes can continue undisturbed.'' SPARE CHANGE -- Mr. Philip Troake.