What’s happening?
The New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society is holding its annual shred-athon on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Canada Games Pool parking lot, 65 East Sixth Ave.
Who can come?
Residents and small businesses are invited to bring their confidential papers to the shred-athon. All items will be shredded on site. Shredding is by donation.
“It’s a great community event. It always brings a lot of people out,” said firefighter Eric Picher. “Everyone brings their sensitive documents to shred, and it gets shredded immediately on site right in front of them. It’s by donation. It’s one of our bigger events, and it’s grown year after year since its inception.”
Anything else?
Along with providing an opportunity for folks to shred their old documents, the event is a chance to enjoy a barbecue and live music.
“Save-On-Foods is donating some things for our barbecue – it’s also by donation,” Picher said. “The Lions Club will be accepting clothing donations. The high school band will be playing. We are going to have some G&F Financial tents out that will provide shade for those who want to enjoy the band and eat some barbecue.”
Off-duty and on-duty firefighters will be out in force at the shred-athon.
“We are going to have lots of members that are volunteering on their time off. They will be there to help take the documents from their vehicles and shred them. There is also going to be some on-duty crews, so there is going to be lots of stuff going on,” Picher said of the event held next door to the Number 1 fire hall. “It will be a great time, and hopefully a great sunny day to come out.”
What is the New Westminster Firefighters Charitable Society?
Through the charitable society, New West firefighters host a variety of events to raise money for charity, including a Christmas tree chipping, a charity hockey game with the Vancouver Canucks Alumni and the shred-athon. Money raised through the charitable society’s events goes to various local causes, including Christmas hamper programs, local charities, meal programs at local schools and the pediatric ward at Royal Columbian Hospital.
