Toys for tickets: Albertans can pay parking fines with donations

Starting Nov. 20, 2025, Alberta drivers with parking tickets from AHS will be able to pay for them using toy donations. (Pexels/Markus Spiske)

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is once again launching a campaign to help less fortunate children have a happy holiday season.

Beginning Thursday, officials say anyone who has recently issued parking ticket can cover it with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy.

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Officials say to qualify for the campaign, the tickets must have been issued between Nov. 7 and Dec. 19.

Toys must be in their original packaging, suitable for ages newborn to 17 years old and have a minimum value of $25.

Suggested donations include books, arts-and-crafts kits, building sets, board games, dolls and action figures, sports balls, headphones, small electronics, journals, activity books and gift cards for grocery stores and restaurants to help support families.

“This campaign is all about bringing joy to kids across Alberta,” said Nick Ternovatsky, AHS parking director, in a news release.

“Every toy donated reflects the generosity in our communities and it’s inspiring to see how much people care.”

Anyone looking to participate in the campaign can drop off eligible donations at any parking office during regular business hours until Dec. 19.

The donated toys will be distributed to hospitals and local charities provincewide.

AHS says that more than 1,150 toys were donated last year.