Scrooge will turn into Santa this winter in Bradford West Gwillimbury, after town council approved a new Toys for Tickets campaign earlier this week.
When anyone gets a parking ticket during the town’s winter on-street parking ban, they will have the option of donating a new children’s toy for local families in need instead of paying the fine.
While the on-street parking ban is in affect Dec. 1 to April 1, the Toys for Tickets campaign will only run between Dec. 1-14, read a staff report submitted to council.
“I actually really enjoyed reading this report. I wrote two things — ‘Love it. Do it,’” said Coun. Peter Ferragine during Tuesday evening’s council meeting.
Last year, 563 tickets were issued for on-street parking during the winter ban between Dec. 1-14, totalling about $28,000 from early payments, read the report.
“We’re going to get a lot of toys if we had 500, 600 tickets in the first 14 days last year,” said Deputy Mayor James Leduc.
The donated toys must:
- Be in original packaging
- Have a value equal to or more than the fine
- Be dropped off at the town’s administration centre at 100 Dissette St. by Dec. 17
- Be included with a receipt at the time of payment
- Come from a store within Bradford West Gwillimbury
Mayor Rob Keffer added in the latter requirement during the council meeting.
“It is a great opportunity to educate our residents and do some good for our families,” he said.
