New West firefighters are asking community members to mask up for their upcoming tree chipping event.
The annual fundraiser normally features a barbecue, entertainment, and tree burning and fire extinguisher demonstrations, but that’s not happening because of COVID-19. Instead, the New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society is holding a drive-thru Christmas tree chipping event on Saturday, Jan 2 and Sunday, Jan. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Canada Games Pool parking lot.
Glen Bailey, president of the charitable society, said the group has decided to do a drive-thru, contactless tree-chipping event after discussions with Fraser Health. Precautions are being taken to protect the public and firefighters from potential exposures to COVID-19.
“Unfortunately this year we are not going to have any hot dogs. We are not doing any (tree) burns. No music. It’s just a simple, put-it-on-your-car drive-in,” he said. “We are asking people not to get out of their cars. Even if you are in your car, we are respectfully requesting people to have their masks on.”
Given the size of New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services and the impacts COVID could have on staffing levels, Bailey said firefighters will be “very cautious” and will be wearing masks and physically distancing to ensure no one risks being exposed to the coronavirus.
“It’s to make sure that we are all safe,” he said. “None of us, obviously, want COVID. We certainly don’t want to bring it into our fire halls.”
Bailey said firefighters are disappointed they won’t be able to interact with community members at the annual fundraiser, but they’re following the orders of public health for the tree-chipping event.
“Once they have dropped their tree off, we are asking them politely to leave as safely and quickly as possible,” he said. “The provincial health authority has mandated in Fraser Health that we are not allowed to have any more than 50 vehicles waiting at one time. We have to keep people moving as quickly as possible, no congregating of the public.”
In September, the charitable society held a paper shred-athon, which had a similar drive-thru format. At that time the society also introduced an ATM machine so folks had a non-cash option for making donations.
“When it comes to the donation, we will have the tap machine there so people can do touchless tap,” Bailey said. “We will also have the boot there if people do want to donate cash.”
The New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society holds a variety of events to raise funds, which it disperses to local charities. Recipients have included the pediatric ward at the Royal Columbian Hospital, the Lower Mainland Purpose Society and the Burn Fund.
“With the recycling yard being shut down, it is hopefully something the citizens of New West can really get behind,” Bailey said. “Certainly we’d love donations but if people don’t want to make a donation, we understand that.”
