Pay your city-issued parking tickets with toy donations all November long

Toys for Tickets returns to support Red Deer Christmas Bureau

Toys for Tickets returns to help support the Red Deer Christmas Bureau’s goal of ensuring all children in our community receive a gift this Christmas.

Throughout November, Red Deerians can pay City-issued parking tickets with toy donations that are equal to or higher in value than the early ticket payment amount.

All gifts donated to the program must be new and unwrapped in original packaging. A receipt must be presented at the time of payment and if the toy is valued lower than the price of the ticket, the difference must be paid. In December, all gifts obtained through the program are delivered to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau and distributed to local families in need. Each year, the Christmas Bureau provides a list of desirable items, including those that are most needed and for groups that are underrepresented. The current list available at reddeer.ca/toysfortickets indicates toys for girls aged 10-17 years are in highest demand.

“Toys for Tickets has been a special part of the holiday season in Red Deer since 2010 and we’re so pleased to continue it this year, once parking enforcement resumes,” said Amy Fengstad, Parking and Licensing Supervisor. “By choosing the perfect gift at a local business, participants can help local families while supporting Red Deer businesses.”

Parking enforcement, which is temporarily paused for the launch of the HotSpot parking system, will resume Monday, November 6.

More information on the Toys for Tickets program is available on The City’s website, reddeer.ca/toysfortickets. Learn more about how the Red Deer Christmas Bureau supports families in our community at https://reddeerchristmasbureau.com.

All gifts collected through this program are donated to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau to help ensure no child in Red Deer wakes up without a toy on Christmas morning.

How it works

Anyone who receives a City-issued parking ticket in November can pay it by donating a toy. Toys can be dropped off at City Hall until November 30 and must be of equal or greater value than the amount owing on the ticket. Toys must be new and in original packaging, and ticket holders must provide an original receipt showing the value of the toy.

In early December, The City rounds up all donated toys and delivers them to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau so they can be distributed to families in need in our community.

Please note that tickets related to residential snow plowing do not qualify for this program, but anyone can donate directly to the Christmas Bureau.

Making a list, checking it twice

Each year, the Christmas Bureau provides a list of popular items on kids’ Christmas lists. In 2023, toys for girls aged 10-17 are in highest demand.

For a list of popular items for each age group, check the Red Deer Christmas Bureau’s Toy List. When shopping, consider supporting one of our many amazing local Red Deer businesses!

For families in need

If you or someone you know is concerned about finances and could use a little help this holiday season, the Red Deer Christmas Bureau may be able to help. Visit their website to see program requirements and to apply for assistance.

More information

For more information on this program, please contact Parking Administration at 403-342-8185 or [email protected].

Related Topics:#CityofRedDeer #RedDeerChristmasBureau #ToysForTickets feature

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The decision to cease site selection occurred in an open meeting of Council on Monday, May 18, 2024. Since that time, Mayor Ken Johnston met with the provincial government to talk about proceeding with the development of the shelter in a new way, potentially issuing an EOI.

This is a shift from focusing on site right now. An EOI would help gauge interest related to potential shelter operators in Red Deer. It would help ensure understanding about options for operators and models in advance of any further site considerations by City Council.

“We have heard from citizens, that it is difficult to support the location of a future shelter in Red Deer without understanding what it will be. Our community wants to understand what services a future shelter may provide and how it will fit with our community,” said Mayor Johnston. “We have been looking for a different way through this process, and issuing and EOI may help City Council and our community better understand what options exist related to operators and operating models. We want to understand the vision the Government of Alberta has for a future shelter in our city.”

In April, Mayor Johnston met with the Government of Alberta related to vision and operator. Minister Nixon, Minister Williams, MLA LaGrange, MLA Stephan and Mayor Johnston were in attendance at the meeting with preliminary conversations occurring related to options for next steps.

As the Government of Alberta is responsible for the provision of shelter, it would be a provincial EOI. Red Deer City Council and administration continue to express their intention to remain committed to the project as outlined in the current Memorandum of Understanding between The City and the Government of Alberta.

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City holding Garage Sale to clear Kinex Arena ahead of demolition

Published on May 8, 2024

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Puck boards, appliances, score boards and more up for grabs in advance of Kinex Arena demolition

After years of memories made at the Kinex Arena, the community will have one last chance to say goodbye to the facility during a garage sale this Saturday, and maybe even take home a piece of its history. The Kinex Arena, which has provided thousands of Red Deerians a place to enjoy sports and recreation events since 1967, will be demolished this summer.

“It’s bittersweet for our team and our community, saying goodbye to such a prominent recreation facility in our community; but it has reached the end of its lifespan,” said Curtis Martinek, Facilities & Asset Management Superintendent. “Demolition will begin later this summer and be completed by August. Prior to any actual demo, all hazardous materials need to be removed and disposed of safely and in accordance with all regulations”.

The land on which the facility currently sits will become additional green space in Barret Park. The Parking lot will remain for users of this park as well as overflow for large events at Servus Arena and the Pidherney’s Centre.

Some of the larger items from the arena such as rink glass, boards and dehumidifiers were sold to other communities throughout Alberta to be repurposed. The remaining items will be available at the garage sale this weekend; some of the items for sale include display cabinets, score clocks, shelving units, puck board, hockey nets, appliances and chairs.

Event: Kinex Arena Garage Sale

Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024

Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Kinex Arena, 4725 A – 43 Street

All funds generated through the garage sale will go back into Recreation’s general revenue account.

A Facebook Event has been set up to share information and images about this weekend’s garage sale. For more information on the demolition, please visit reddeer.ca/Kinex.

FAQ’s

What will happen with the land where the Kinex Arena is located?

The footprint of the facility will become additional green space in Barret Park. The Parking lot will remain for users of this park as well as overflow for large events at Servus Arena and the Pidherney Centre.

What items will be sold at the garage sale on May 11?

The following is a list of some of the items available to purchase at the garage sale. Pricing for the items will be available at the event. A Facebook event has been created where we will share images of items in advance of the event.