Richmondites came together to chip in for a good cause at Garry Point Park, despite the drizzling rain.
Volunteers and community members of all ages were spotted at the park on Saturday morning for Richmond Firefighter Charitable Society's annual Tree Chip event, and more than 50 trees were collected in less than three hours.
"So far, today has been spectacular," Richmond Fire-Rescue Chief Jim Wishlove told The Richmond News.
"The weather's not too bad yet, and there's been so many people from the community coming by. They've been very generous."
Wishlove said the event is working out well thanks to the partnership with the city and other community sponsors, and support from members of the community.
"And we've had a huge amount of support from members in the (fire) department, who are volunteering their time today to come and be here... to help the public, relieve them of the trees, collect some money and just generally catch up and connect with the community," he added.
The community's enthusiasm for the event can be boiled down to three main reasons, according to Wishlove.
"Number one, the community really loves the fire department and firefighters. And so they come in to support the members of the department and the department," he said.
The event is also an easy way for people to get rid of their Christmas trees, and its long history as an annual event that began decades ago has made it a seasonal staple for longtime residents.
The total number of trees collected over this weekend is expected to be in the thousands.
The event will continue tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the city's public works department will be bringing in a wood chipper for the chipping.
All tree chips are going to be recycled and used all over the city, and donations collected from the event will go back into helping the community.
