Former NHL Star Steps Up: Covers Tickets to Support North Okanagan Youth and Families

Aaron Volpatti, a former NHL player for the Vancouver Canucks, recently turned a tough situation into something positive. He donated $775 to a local charity, the North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society (NOYFSS), matching the amount he paid for unpaid parking tickets.

Volpatti faced a $650 lawsuit from the City of Vernon over parking tickets he hadn’t paid. He admitted that, after a challenging year filled with personal loss and family changes, he simply forgot about the tickets. In a light-hearted Instagram post, he made it clear that he wasn’t going to court anymore since the tickets were now settled.

Reflecting on the issue, Volpatti voiced his desire for a better system to handle unpaid tickets, suggesting alternatives to going to court, like using a demerit system or linking ticket payments to insurance renewals.

He explained, “We need to figure out a better system here.” Instead of dwelling on the past, Volpatti chose to focus on helping others. His donation will support children, youth, and families through NOYFSS, a long-standing community organization.

NOYFSS expressed gratitude for Volpatti’s generosity. They took to social media to thank him, saying, “We can’t say thank you enough for their generosity and kindness!”

With help from HUTO Lifestyle, Volpatti was able to present a cheque to NOYFSS on February 28. The parking tickets had accumulated from November 2023 to December 2024, prompting the city to pursue the case in small claims court. Following the recent payment, court documents confirmed that the matter had been resolved.

According to City of Vernon communications manager Jessica Hewitt, unpaid parking tickets are treated as debts. If debts remain unsettled, the city may use court action as a part of their enforcement strategy, which includes warnings and penalties to ensure compliance with city regulations.

Volpatti’s story serves as a reminder of how we can turn challenging moments into opportunities for good. His contribution will positively impact many in the community, showcasing the power of generosity and support.

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