Comox Valley fire departments raised thousands of dollars this weekend for local charities while helping residents recycle their Christmas trees.
The departments from Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland were set up at different locations in the communities with wood chippers on hand provided by businesses to help dispose of the old trees.
In Cumberland, the fire department had not held a chipping event for a couple of years and did not know what to expect. This year, they set up at Village Park.
In past years, they might raise about $400 by taking in trees, so they were happy to bring in approximately $800 for the food bank, along with some food donations.
“We did better than we thought we were going to do,” said chief Mike Williamson said.
He said they plan to do a little more publicity next Christmas and hope to do even better.
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Meanwhile, Comox Fire Rescue was also set up its fire hall on Noel Avenue. This year, they raised nearly as much as last year, bringing in about $4,200. All the proceeds will go to support You Are Not Alone (YANA).
In Courtenay, the fire department was set up at the fire hall on Cumberland Road and at the parking lot at Crown Isle Plaza on Lerwick Road on Saturday and Sunday. They brought in about $3,000 for local charities. These include local sports teams and for the YANA event in February, as well as others throughout the year.
mike.chouinard@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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