Help the City of Orillia turn parking tickets into toys as we kick off the Toys for Tickets campaign on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
The campaign invites every person who receives a parking ticket (with the exception of accessible parking violations) in the City of Orillia between Nov. 1 and Dec.1, 2025 to pay the fine amount by donating a new children’s toy of equal or greater value. Since the annual event started in 2006, more than $50,000 in toys has been donated to local charity groups in lieu of parking tickets.
“The Toys for Tickets program is a great example of how the City and residents can work together to make a positive impact,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “By choosing to donate a toy instead of paying a fine, residents directly support local organizations that help families during the holiday season.”
To donate, bring your parking ticket along with an unwrapped toy in its original packaging and proof of purchase to the Finance counter on the first floor of Orillia City Centre (50 Andrew St. S.) by Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. The counter is open between 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The value of the toy must be equal to, or exceed, the amount owing on the fine.
Toys collected will be donated to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Couchiching Jubilee House, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District and The Salvation Army.
“More and more working families and the less fortunate are struggling during the pre-Christmas season,” said Tara Treash, President Society of St. Vincent de Paul. “The City of Orillia’s Toys for Tickets Program provides beneficial assistance to our local families. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a grateful recipient of the Orillia Toys for Tickets program.”
“As an organization rooted in community, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia & District is so grateful to once again be part of the Toys for Tickets program,” said Miranda Chaffey, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia & District. “This initiative truly captures the spirit of the holidays — neighbours helping neighbours to bring joy to children and families right here in Orillia. The generosity shown through this program reflects the same compassion and community connection that fuels our mission to ignite the potential of young people every day.”
For more information on the Toys for Tickets campaign, visit orillia.ca/ToysForTickets or call 705-325-1311.
