Tree chippers will be working overtime this weekend, helping dispose of Christmas trees before they dry out. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

safe disposal

Tree chipping fundraisers helping Nanaimo & Oceanside non-profits

Jan 2, 2026 | 5:36 AM

NANAIMO — Safely and responsibly dispose of your Christmas tree, while helping out local organizations.

Nanaimo Lions Club are hosting their 63rd annual tree chip up on Saturday, Jan. 3 and Sunday, Jan. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at North Town Centre, in the parking lot overlooking the Old Island Hwy.

Larrie Taylor, Lions Club secretary, said the long-tenured event started out completely different.

“Initially the project was not a chip up but a gigantic wiener-roast fire. The trees were collected on the Beban Park site and concluded with a great bonfire. At some point the fire was replaced by tree chipping because of concerns for the environment and recognition that the trees could be recycled as landscaping mulch.”

Trees can be dropped off for a donation towards the Nanaimo Lions Club and their projects and services throughout the community.

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For those a little further south, Nanaimo Search and Rescue are hosting their annual event, also on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Country Club Centre.

Tree chippers will be setup in the parking lot next to Dairy Queen with people invited to drop off their tree and then stay to see the chips fly.

Jessica Henderson with NSAR told NanaimoNewsNOW they’ll have volunteers on hand to talk all things wood chipping or search and rescue operations.

“Year round we do training every week, we provide services for our rescue and search on the Island. We have an outreach program where we go into the schools and educate children about staying safe and what to do when they get lost.”

Funds raised do towards supporting their operations and educational programs in community.

In Parksville on Sunday, the City of Parksville Fire Department will host their own tree chip from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wembley Mall.

A cash donation is requested when dropping your tree off, with proceeds going towards community projects during the year.

All three organizations ask trees are free of all decorations and lights before bringing it to be safely disposed of.

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