Red Deer's annual toy collection drive known as 'Toys for Tickets, where you can donate a toy of equal or greater value in lieu of paying a parking ticket, will look a bit different this year due to COVID-19.

The program runs from November 1st to the 30th, with all gifts received from the program donated to the Christmas Bureau to make sure no child in Red Deer wakes up without a toy on Christmas morning. 

“The health and wellness of all Red Deerians remains top of mind for The City,” said Erin Stuart, Inspections & Licensing Manager. “Facilitating a program like Toys for Tickets safely during the pandemic is challenging, and so we have decided to modify the program for 2020.”

This year, rather than encourage ticket holders to shop for a new toy then visit City Hall to deliver their donation, The City will make a financial donation directly to the Christmas Bureau. The amount of the donation will be determined based on the total of early ticket payments for City of Red Deer parking tickets issued during November 2020.

“The Red Deer Christmas Bureau directly impacts the lives of young Red Deerians, a cause that is near and dear to The City of Red Deer. We want to ensure the modification of Toys for Tickets does not negatively impact this organization or their goal of ensuring all children in Red Deer receive a gift on Christmas morning,” said Stuart.

Red Deerians who wish to support the Red Deer Christmas Bureau directly can contact the organization for donation options.

Contact information is available on the organization’s website, www.reddeerchristmasbureau.com.