Despite the continuous rainfall that poured throughout Guelph on Jan. 11, volunteers stood in the rain to participate in Trees for Tots.
“This is actually our biggest year so far,” said Emma Rogers, the executive director for Trees for Tots.
Saturday's event raised $68,419.
“We have the most amount of volunteers. We have the most amount of trucks we ever had on the road.
Volunteers were seen driving dropping off trees in trucks, placing trees in the chipping machine and cleaning up any mess left behind as they braved through the weather.
The event currently in its eighth year saw 350 volunteers, over 3,500 trees and 105 trucks scattered throughout the city in six chipping locations which included Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School, Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School, Saint James Catholic High School, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School and the Ignatius Jesuit Centre.
Proceeds from the initiative go to the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington to provide funding for the foundation’s programs including their Food & Friends program for school-aged children, the Free To Grow program for kids in sports, arts and educational scholarships.
“It’s absolutely incredible. We have families coming out, we have business owners. Everyone really rallies around to make sure we have the support we need,” said Rogers.
Once the trees are chipped, they turn into mulch and are used in naturalization projects in the community.
“So we’re making sure they all go back to the community,” said Rogers.
She said what makes the program so successful is the team that works tirelessly and in positive spirits.
“I think what really motivates them is knowing that children are really being affected. That’s why they come out in this crazy weather,” said Rogers.
“I think its because people really understand that children in the community are the most vulnerable and they can come out in the middle of a Saturday and help give back.”
This year, the program expanded into neighbouring areas such as Aberfoyle and Rockwood.
Because of the familiar people that come back every year, volunteer Joe Legate who overlooks the chipping station, said the event process becomes easier each year.
“It’s smoother every year,” said Legate who owns JL's Tree Service in Guelph and has been volunteering with Trees for Tots for the past five years.
He said the event allows volunteers across the city to work towards the same goal.
“It’s for the kids. That’s the biggest goal. To help kids that otherwise wouldn’t have opportunities without certain things like this,” said Legate.
