While the funds raised at a recent shred-athon are still being tallied, there's little doubt the event was a success.
The New Westminster Firefighters' Charitable Society held its third annual shred-athon on June 2.
The society raises funds that it distributes to a wide variety of organizations including the pediatric unit at Royal Columbian Hospital, breakfast programs at local schools and a community lunch at St. Barnabas Church.
"It was a tremendous success," said firefighter Glen Bailey, the society's president. "We owe the public an apology - the shredder filled up."
The truck that attended this year's event couldn't accommodate the volume of paperwork brought in for shredding, and organizers were unable to get a second shredder for the event.
While some people were comfortable leaving their papers behind, after being assured it would be shredded that same day, others were uneasy about leaving their unshredded documents behind.
Bailey said each of the society's fundraisers is a learning experience, and this event was no exception.
"This time, we learned they really like it. We need more shredding capacity," he said. "It was almost too successful."
In addition to paper shredding paper, the event also featured hotdogs, goodies from Tim Hortons and entertainment by local youth affiliated with the New Westminster Youth Centre.
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