“Pay your parking ticket with a toy!” The City of Red Deer’s annual Toys for Tickets campaign is back this November, giving residents a chance to spread holiday cheer by turning parking tickets into gifts for local children in need.
Throughout November, anyone who receives a City-issued parking ticket can choose to pay their fine by donating a new toy of equal or greater value. All donations collected through the program will be delivered in early December to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau, helping ensure that no child in Red Deer wakes up without a gift on Christmas morning.
“Toys for Tickets is one of those special programs that reminds us of what community spirit is all about,” said Stephanie Gramlich, Parking Coordinator. “We love seeing the creativity, generosity and overall positivity of people coming in with their toys each year, and people feel good knowing their donations help make the holidays brighter for local families.”
Toy donations must be:
- New, unwrapped and in original packaging
- Accompanied by a store receipt showing the toy’s value
- Of equal or greater value than the parking fine amount
Donations can be dropped off at City Hall during business hours until Friday, December 5. The early payment rate still applies when paying with a toy, provided the toy’s value meets or exceeds the discounted amount.
Red Deer Christmas Bureau reports that gifts for older children (ages 10-17) are most needed this year. Popular items include musical instruments, sports equipment, headphones, personal electronics, art kits, puzzles, makeup and hair accessories, and remote-control toys.
Since its launch in 2007, Toys for Tickets has collected more than 15,000 toys, helping local families enjoy a brighter holiday season. Anyone who doesn’t receive a parking ticket but still wishes to contribute is encouraged to donate directly to the Christmas Bureau.
For full program details, visit reddeer.ca/ToysForTickets. To learn more about the Red Deer Christmas Bureau or to donate directly, visit reddeerchristmasbureau.com.