As part of the City of Pickering’s ‘Toys 4 Tickets and Food 4 Fines’ holiday program, the city will be accepting toy and food donations in lieu of payment for parking tickets issued from November 27 to December 20, 2023.
Toy donations must be new and unwrapped, and all food donations must be non-perishable. The value of the donation must be equal to, or greater than, the specified fine on the ticket (receipts are required for all donations being made in lieu of payment), said a city statement.
Tickets issued for illegal parking in accessible spaces are not eligible for the program. Donations unrelated to tickets will be gladly accepted, it added.
Donations will be accepted from November 27 to December 20, 2023 (Monday to Friday, between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) on the second floor of Pickering City Hall, located at One The Esplanade.
All donations will be distributed to the Durham Regional Police Food & Toy Drive and the Pickering Fire Services Food & Toy Drive, which will make a meaningful difference to the lives of those in need this holiday season.
Last year, the city raised $832 worth of donations thanks to the generous contributions and kindness of the community.
The City of Oshawa runs a similar programme.