The City of Red Deer’s Toys for Tickets campaign is back.
Motorists who get parking tickets between Nov. 1 and Dec. 2 can once again choose to donate a toy instead of paying the fine.
“It’s all about giving back to the community,” said Fred Dieno, parking co-ordinator for the City of Red Deer.
The program, now in its 10th year, has been a huge success, with more than 5,000 toys collected since it started. Last year, 348 citizens paid off their tickets by donating toys to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau, helping ensure that no child wakes up without a toy on Christmas morning.
Donated toys can be dropped off on Dec. 1 and 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the first floor of City Hall. The toys must be new, unwrapped and in their original packaging. The early payment rate applies when the ticket is paid for with a toy, but the donated item must equal or exceed the amount of the parking ticket. A receipt must be presented when the toy is dropped off, and if the toy is valued less than the ticket, the difference must be paid.
Gifts for children aged 10 to 16 are in especially high demand. Craft sets, movie passes, books, electronics, sports equipment and gift cards are suggested donations for this age group.
For more information about the Toys for Tickets program, please call 403-342-8185 or visit www.reddeer.ca/toysfortickets.