(City of Red Deer)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

15,000 toys collected since 2007

Toys for Tickets returns to support Red Deer Christmas Bureau

Oct 30, 2025 | 9:34 PM

Nobody wants you to get a parking ticket, but if you do this November, you are encouraged to pay your fine with a gift to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau.

A long-running program, Toys for Tickets allows folks who get a City-issued parking ticket to pay it by donating a toy of equal or greater value.

According to the city, all donations collected through the program will be delivered in early December to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau, helping ensure that no child in Red Deer wakes up without a gift on Christmas morning.

“Toys for Tickets is one of those special programs that reminds us of what community spirit is all about,” said Stephanie Gramlich, parking coordinator.

“We love seeing the creativity, generosity and overall positivity of people coming in with their toys each year, and people feel good knowing their donations help make the holidays brighter for local families.”

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Toy donations must be:

• New, unwrapped and in original packaging
• Accompanied by a store receipt showing the toy’s value
• Of equal or greater value than the parking fine amount

Donations can be dropped off at City Hall during business hours until Friday, Dec. 5. The early payment rate still applies when paying with a toy, provided the toy’s value meets or exceeds the discounted amount.

The Red Deer Christmas Bureau reports that gifts for older children (ages 10-17) are most needed this year. Popular items include musical instruments, sports equipment, headphones, personal electronics, art kits, puzzles, makeup and hair accessories, and remote-control toys.

Since launching in 2007, Toys for Tickets has collected more than 15,000 toys.

Anyone who doesn’t receive a parking ticket but still wishes to contribute is encouraged to donate directly to the Christmas Bureau at various toy drop-off locations throughout the city.

For full program details, visit reddeer.ca/ToysForTickets. To learn more about the Red Deer Christmas Bureau or to donate directly, visit reddeerchristmasbureau.com.