Toys for Tickets Campaign Returned to Red Deer
December 20, 2024
The holiday season is a time for joy and giving, and this year, Red Deer again embraced that spirit with the return of the popular Toys for Tickets campaign.
Spread Holiday Cheer Through Giving
This annual initiative allows parking ticket holders to turn their fines into gifts for local children, with the donations going directly to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau.
Launched in November, the campaign encourages residents who receive a parking ticket issued by The City of Red Deer to donate a new, unwrapped toy of equal or greater value in lieu of their ticket fine. All toys collected were delivered to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau early December, where they will be distributed to families in need.
A Legacy of Giving
Since its inception in 2007, the Toys for Tickets campaign has significantly impacted members of our community, leading to the donation of over 10,250 toys. This year, the initiative holds special meaning as it honors the late Fred Dieno, whose passion for giving inspired the program. As Erin Stuart, Inspections and Licensing Manager, reflected, "Fred got the idea from following stories of the program in other municipalities across Canada and was passionate in his support to assist the Red Deer Christmas Bureau in making sure no child woke up without a toy on Christmas. Fred enjoyed looking after the details each year, and could often be found wearing a Santa hat to collect toys and deliver them to the Christmas Bureau."
This year, toys were donated equating to a donation of $4,800 for the Red Deer Christmas Bureau! We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the residents of Red Deer for their continued participation in making the Toys for Tickets initiative a resounding success year after year. Your generosity and willingness to turn parking fines into gifts for local children exemplify the true spirit of the holiday season. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of families in our community, ensuring that every child experiences the joy of receiving a gift during Christmas. Thank you for your commitment to spreading holiday cheer and supporting those in need!
Community members who did not receive a parking ticket but still wish to contribute are encouraged to donate toys, helping to ensure the Christmas Bureau can fulfill its mission of supporting families in need throughout Red Deer.
Get Involved
For more information about the Toys for Tickets program, visit reddeer.ca/toysfortickets. You can also learn about the invaluable support the Christmas Bureau provides the community at RedDeerChristmasBureau.com.
This holiday season, let's come together as a community to spread joy and support those in need. Remember, a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference in a child’s life this Christmas.