Motorists who get a parking ticket in the town of Stony Plain will have some plush options available over the next month.
Normally, a parking violation can run anywhere from $60 to $100 in Stony Plain, but anyone getting a ticket between Oct. 31st and Nov. 25th can make their payment in the form of toys.
The toys must be new, in original packaging, come with a receipt and be suitable for children up to the age of 16.
New gift cards valued at $25 or greater will also be accepted.
Bylaw officers typically hand out 20 to 50 parking tickets per month, said Adam Wenmann, the acting enforcement services supervisor in Stony Plain.
“We’re hoping the word spreads through media, that people will know this campaign is underway and whether or not you do get a ticket, we’re hoping that people are able to donate to the town office and help out with this great cause,” he said.
The toys will eventually be handed over to the Kinsmen Christmas Hampers, which help thousands of people in Stony Plain and Parkland County every Christmas.
Last year, more than 450 families were helped.
“I never wish any ill will on someone but you know sometimes we’ve parked somewhere and not seen a sign,” said Ed Berney, chairman of the Kinsmen Christmas Hampers.
“Even if someone doesn’t have a ticket, (I hope) this raises the awareness of the program we’re putting gifts in the hands of families in need.”
Toys for Tickets for 9 years in Red Deer
The City of Red Deer started swapping parking fines for toy donations in 2007.
The City of Red Deer has accumulated piles of toys through its Toys for Tickets, alternative parking fine program. (Supplied)
Fred Dieno, parking coordinator in the city, says he first heard about the program in Kingston, Ontario and then brought it to Alberta.
Now, he gets calls every year from bylaw offices around the world asking how the program works and what they need to do to get it started.
“I’ve had people call from Australia, New York. I even talked to someone from Germany once but that was hard because I couldn’t really understand them, ” he said.
Last year, parking enforcement officers in Red Deer wrote up 396 tickets during the month of November, with a total fine revenue of just under $10,000.
The amount of toys collected more than made up for the loss in ticket revenue, Dieno said.
“There’s lots of people that bring in two to three toys, others say they tried to get a ticket and couldn’t but they donate toys anyway.”
There is one small catch — any tickets issued for emergency access, handicap, commercial vehicle, and dangerous goods parking violations are not valid for the program in Stony Plain.
Those tickets will have to be paid with cash, but you can still donate a new toy too if you’re so inclined.