Christmas trees will go from decorative to dust in the blink of an eye, but it's all for a good cause with two local groups raising money for their operations. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

chips a'hoy

Nanaimo groups look to chip Christmas trees for charity

Jan 6, 2022 | 3:40 PM

NANAIMO — A couple of local charities are looking to take your Christmas tree off your hands.

Both the Nanaimo and District SPCA (NDSPCA) and the Nanaimo Search and Rescue (NSAR) are holding their annual Christmas tree chipping event on Jan. 8-9 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. for both events.

Bonnie Pequin with the SPCA said they’ve been holding their event at the Nanaimo branch office (154 Westwood Rd.) for over 20 years.

“It’s been a tough year with COVID and all, and it’s one of our only fundraisers we can do right now because it’s outside, so we appreciate all the donations we get.”.

Pequin said last year they managed to raise over $10,000 from the event, with all proceeds going to support the animals in their care.

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Donations are encouraged when dropping off your tree, and anyone who donates $10 or more will receive a coupon for a free pizza.

The NSAR is also holding their tree chipping event at the Country Club Centre parking lot.

Jamai Schile, director of fundraising for Nanaimo SAR, said this is their largest fundraiser of the year, bringing in almost $3,000 in donations in 2020.

“It’s always a fun time for our team as well, gives us a chance to touch base after the holidays. We usually have a warming station set up so people can ask us questions. The tree chipper is a big draw.”

Both the NSAR and the NDSPCA ask you to remove all decorations from the trees before dropping them off.

They also ask you to remain in your vehicles as the volunteers will unload your tree and bring it to the chipper.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow