If you find yourself heading back to your car and a piece of paper is tucked under your windshield wiper, flapping in the wind, you’ve likely got a parking ticket. But instead of feeling dread that typically would bubble up, you might be able to turn that around this time of year. As the holiday season approaches, the Town of Innisfil is bringing back its ‘Scrooge the Ticket’ campaign, which allows you to give back to the community instead of paying your parking ticket. Here’s how it works If you’ve received a ticket between Nov. 15 and Nov. 29, you can either donate the amount of your fine or donate new toys, non-perishable food items or gift cards. The monetary donations will be distributed evenly to the Troy Scott Community Fridges that are located across town and the Innisfil Food Bank. Any physical donations will go directly to the food bank. The Troy Scott Community Fridges are filled with food and available for anyone who needs them, no questions asked. Parking ticketholders should be aware that the toy and food donations need to be of equal or greater value than the ticket and receipts need to be shown upon donation. To drop off your item, simply go to Innisfil Town Hall before Dec. 1. “Scrooge the Ticket is proof that many small acts of generosity can make a big impact in our community,” says Municipal Law Enforcement Manager Mitchel Harris. “While we don’t want anyone to have to receive a fine, we hope that these parking penalties provide residents with the chance to support those in need, and to turn tickets into holiday cheer.” Since the campaign started in 2015, it’s raised more than $50,000. Other municipalities hold similar programs, such as Orillia’s Toys for Tickets campaign.
