The Red Deer Christmas Bureau will get a cash donation from the city instead of toys from ticketed motorists this year.
Concerns around COVID-19 transmissions have made the City of Red Deer modify its Toys for Tickets program.
Rather than encouraging motorists to turn in a new toy for families in need, instead of paying their parking tickets, the city will make a financial donation directly to the Christmas bureau from parking ticket revenues.
The amount of the donation will be based on the value of the early payment option for parking tickets that are issued in November, said Erin Stuart, the city’s inspections and licensing manager.
“The health and wellness of all Red Deerians remains top of mind for the city,” said Stuart.
But the city also wants to keep supporting the bureau’s goal of ensuring that all children whose families celebrate Christmas, wake up with something under their trees on Dec. 25.
Red Deerians who wish to support the bureau directly can find more information on the organization’s website, www.reddeerchristmasbureau.com.