The New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society is hopeful it raised a good sum of cash at its annual tree-chipping event.
Glen Bailey, president of the charitable society, said the timing of the event wasn’t the best for drawing crowds of people wanting to dispose of Christmas trees. While Jan. 9 and 10 is too far from New Year’s for some folks looking to recycle their trees, Jan. 2 and 3 is too early for others.
“We haven’t tallied the money. I am very hopeful,” he said. “For the people who did come by, they were very happy.”
In addition to getting their trees chipped, residents were able to enjoy a barbecue and listen to some jazz music performed by local high school students. Many off-duty firefighters volunteered their time at the two-day event, which also gave new and veteran firefighters a chance to socialize.
“It was fun for the firefighters. I am hoping other people saw how much fun we had and they had fun as well,” Bailey said. “The junior guys were trying to take the trees away from the senior guys. There were a few good battles there over trees.”
Bailey said the charitable society gets a lot of support from its sponsors and the city, which provides a chipper and a location for the event.
“We’ve really got to thank the people of New Westminster and our many sponsors,” he said. “It obviously wouldn’t be a tree-chipping event if people didn’t bring their trees to us.”
The New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society raises money that it disperses throughout the year to a variety of programs and series, including New Westminster Family Place, the Union Gospel Mission and the pediatric department at Royal Columbian Hospital.
