Skip to content

North Saanich firefighters raising money for family

Members of the North Saanich Volunteer Fire Department hope to help out a local family through their annual tree chipping fundraiser

NORTH SAANICH — Members of the North Saanich Volunteer Fire Department and Firefighters’ Association hope to help out a local family through their annual tree chipping fundraiser on Jan. 4.

This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local firefighters will collect Christmas trees for chipping  at the McTavish Road fire hall and at the Wain Road hall. Association spokesperson Brian Thomas says this year’s effort will be directed towards a local family.

“All money raised will be split 50/50 with Santas Anonymous and this year, the Todd Caroll family,” Thomas stated in an email to the News Review. “Todd is a 46-year-old Sidney man who has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.”

Todd, added Thomas, worked as a self-employed carpenter for most of his life. Approximately 20 years ago, Todd also volunteered as a firefighter in Mesachie Lake. He rents his home with his girlfriend, Natalie, and their one-year-old son, Angus.

In addition to the tree chipping program, the fire department will host an open house at the Wain Road fire hall. Thomas said everyone is welcome to join the firefighters on fire truck rides, a bouncy castle and tours of the hall.  Firefighters will also be serving hot dogs, coffee and hot chocolate and everything is by donation.  

— News staff