Christmas tree chipping event continues in New West
By Theresa McManus
It’s business as usual for the New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society’s 2019 tree-chipping event but plans for future years are yet to be determined.
Each January, the charitable society hosts the fundraiser that includes entertainment, a barbecue and a Christmas tree chipping event. This year’s event is on Saturday, Jan. 4 and Sunday, Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Canada Games Pool parking lot, 65 East Sixth Ave.
Glen Bailey, president of the New Westminster Charitable Society, said the event will once include a barbecue put on by local firefighters, music from a band at New Westminster Secondary school, popcorn by G&F Financial and more.
“The Lions Club is going to be there offering hot chocolate and cookies. They are not going to do a clothing drive this year,” he said. “The Scouts are going to be there doing a bottle drive.”
The New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society holds events like a Christmas tree chipping, shred-athon and charity hockey game to raise money to help individuals and families in the community. The society supports a wide variety of community organizations, such as the Union Gospel Mission, the Lower Mainland Purpose Society and New Westminster Family Place.
“It’s a great way to meet the firefighters and give back to the community,” Bailey said of the tree-chipping event. “All the money that comes in, with the exception of our Burn Fund program and our insurance, all goes back into the community.”
The tree-chipping and shred-athon events are normally held in the Canada Games Pool parking lot, but that may change next year. Construction of the city’s new aquatic and community centre, which will replace Canada Games Pool and Centennial Community Centre, is set to begin in 2020.
“We are not sure what is going to happen,” Bailey said. “We are looking into it.”