If you’ve recently been charged for things like speeding or going through a red light, and you’re not wanting to give up your money to pay off the ticket, you may have the option to work off that fine.
Volunteer organizers for a Regina summer event are hoping to use this method in order to find more people to help out at their festival next month.
Summer Bash is an annual community festival that is held each summer in the southwestern Regina neighbourhood of Harbour Landing.
The board has decided to partner with the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan’s Fine Option Program, which gives people the opportunity to volunteer for a charity or community event rather than having to take out their money.
Summer Bash board chair Adam Hicks said he hopes this new option will help solve the headaches they’ve had in previous years trying to find volunteers.
Over 9,000 people showed up to the event last year and two years ago. If they want to make sure everything runs smoothly, they will need to find about 150 residents to help that day.
Hicks explained how a person has to receive a letter stating they are convicted before they can sign up for the volunteering option.
They don’t have to go to the court date on their ticket, but they have to wait for that date or after.
“You take that letter to the John Howard Society, and once you register for this Fine Option Program, then all you have to do is come to us and we record your hours,” he said. “Once we sign off on all your hours, you take it back and then they essentially wave your ticket.”
For people who have parking or bylaw tickets from the city of Regina, Hicks said it’s a different process which requires the person to go to city hall and follow their steps.
But this is a win-win situation for both sides. The option allows citizens to save their money and do some good within the community, while organizers have more volunteers sign up for their biggest event.
Since word got out regarding this new option, Hicks said they’ve received a lot of interest.
“My phone and our social media has lit up in the last couple days. It’s not what we expected at all,” said Hicks while giving out a quick laugh. “It’s great to have traction and great to see so many people interested in a unique way to volunteer.”
Despite more interest from the public this summer, Hicks mentioned how they are still needing more helpers to make this year’s Summer Bash a success.
If the board can find enough people, Hicks said they have some really exciting and unique aspects planned for the event which he said has never been done in the city.
“I don’t want to break the surprise, but it requires manpower,” he stated. “It will add a wow factor to create a better experience for families who plan to attend.”
Summer Bash is set to take place August 25 at Fairchild Park.
The organization also hosts other events during the summer months including free movies and a market next month with around 100 vendors.
Find more information on Summer Bash and their other events by visiting their website or Facebook page.
