Royal City residents chipped in to donate funds and more than 9,000 kilograms of trees to the New Westminster Firefighters' Charitable Society.

The event, held Jan. 5 and 6 at the Canada Games Pool Parking lot, was a fundraiser for the charitable society. The majority of residents arrived by vehicle with their dried out Christmas trees, but one resident's two dogs towed the tree and a few towed them behind their bikes.

"It was a huge success," said firefighter Glen Bailey, president of the charitable society. "It was two really busy, fun days."

While the weather could have been nicer, Bailey said the event went well.

"We are still tallying the amount that was raised. People were very generous," he said. "I think it is going to be one of our better years financially."

Bailey said fewer people seemed to linger than in past years, something that's being attributed to the wet weather. Those who did stay found shelter under tents provided by sponsors Re/Max and G&F Financial.

The New Westminster Firefighters' Charitable Society's annual tree-chipping event included a hotdog barbecue, popcorn, live music and more.

The charitable society donates money to a variety of local programs including the pediatric ward at Royal Columbian Hospital and food programs at schools.

"We are in the process of planning the shred-athon," Bailey said of an event that will be held in June. "We have to get some dates finalized."

In addition to the tree-chipping event, firefighters have raised funds through barbecues and the Hydrant Cup hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks Alumni in November. They also hosted the Burn Fund kickoff in New Westminster last summer.

"Last year was a really busy year for us," Bailey said. "We are lucky we are in New West because the public really supports us. We appreciate everything they have done for us."