The City of Orillia’s annual Toys for Tickets campaign collected more than $4,100 in funds that was turned into children’s toys and gift certificates for those in need this year.
The donations were presented Friday morning at Orillia City Centre to four local organizations: the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District, Couchiching Jubilee House, and the Salvation Army.
“Thank you to everyone who chose to turn their parking tickets into a new children’s toy,” said Mayor Don McIsaac in a press release. “Your donation makes the holiday season brighter for local families in need. The Toys for Tickets campaign has become a tradition in Orillia and has brought so much joy to Orillia children over the years.”
The initiative allows individuals who receive parking tickets in Orillia between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1 to pay their fine by donating a new toy of equal or greater value instead.
This year’s campaign marked the second-highest total since the program began 17 years ago, with more than $50,000 worth of toys collected during that time.
Sydney Schandlen, administrative support for the city's legislative services department, was impressed with the generosity of the community.
“Given the time of year, people are always looking for small ways to give back,” she said. “Any chance people have to do a little act of kindness, I think it goes a long way, and the kids really appreciate it.”
City Councillor Jeff Czetwerzuk emphasized the importance of continuing the campaign annually.
“We want to ensure that everyone can have a good Christmas,” he said. “It’s at a small cost to the city, but I think it’s worthwhile.”
The impact of this initiative is felt deeply by local charities. Orillia Salvation Army Captain Tina Howard highlighted the urgent need for support this year, as 100 more households applied for Christmas assistance compared to last year. The organization is now helping more than 1,200 kids this Christmas season.
“This is very timely to receive the toys and gift cards today so that we can keep working on collecting what we need to help those in the community looking for a bit of a brighter Christmas,” Howard said.
She also praised the city for including multiple charities in the program, saying it creates a “huge impact.”
“If we all work together, we can make a bigger difference,” she added.
