“Pay your parking ticket with a toy!” The City of Red Deer’s annual Toys for Tickets campaign returns to support the Red Deer Christmas Bureau by allowing parking ticket holders to pay their fine by donating a toy.
Throughout November, anyone who receives a parking ticket issued by The City of Red Deer can pay the fine by donating a toy. In early December, all toy donations collected through the program will be delivered to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau for distribution to local families.
Toy donations must be:
- new, in original packaging,
- unwrapped, and
- accompanied by a receipt showing the value of the toy.
Toy donations in lieu of ticket payments may be dropped off at City Hall during business hours through Friday, December 6. The early ticket payment rate remains in effect when the ticket is paid for with a toy; however, the value of the toy must equal to or exceed the amount owed on the parking ticket. A receipt must be presented at the time of payment, and if the toy is valued lower than the price of the ticket, the difference must be paid.
A list of suggested items is available on the Christmas Bureau website and indicates that gifts for older children (aged 10-17 years) are needed most. Gifts such as sports equipment, headphones, musical instruments, speakers, arts and crafts sets, remote control vehicles, make up and hair accessories are encouraged.
"We're excited to bring back the Toys for Tickets program this holiday season, giving our community a chance to turn parking tickets into joy for local children in need. Every toy donated helps spread holiday cheer and reminds us of the spirit of giving,” said Stephanie Gramlich, Development, Permits & Compliance Supervisor. “By selecting a gift from a local business participants can make this initiative even more meaningful, supporting both our community and those who need it most during this special time of year.”
Since the program began in 2007, more than 10,000 toys have been donated to help the Christmas Bureau ensure no child in Red Deer wakes up on Christmas morning without a gift. Anyone who does not receive a ticket but would like to donate to the program is welcome to participate.
More details about the program are available on The City’s website, . Residents can learn more about how the Christmas Bureau supports our community at RedDeerChristmasBureau.com.