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Christmas trees recycled for a good cause at Saanich’s Reynolds Secondary

Volunteers hand prune the branches, funds raised go toward the high school’s music program
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Millie and Dan Del Villano are a father-daughter duo that took on volunteer roles at Reynold Secondary’s annual tree chipping event – an environmentally friendly fundraiser for the school music program. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

In a post-Christmas world, those who celebrate the holidays often don’t know how to properly dispose of their live Christmas trees.

However, Reynolds Secondary has Saanich residents covered in their annual tree recycling event. Parent and student volunteers hosted a successful tree chipping and recycling fundraiser on Jan. 8 in the school parking lot.

The event promotes a green approach to disposing of one’s Christmas tree, with volunteers hand pruning dropped-off trees instead of using a gas chipper.

Those bringing in their old trees are encouraged to donate to the fundraiser that aims to help the 200 students in the music program at the school.

Programs offered to students range from concert bands, jazz bands, string ensembles, to musical theatre and marching bands.

“We cut all the branches down ourselves to reduce pollution and this is such a great cause because the music program is huge and we use every bit of the funds raised,” said parent volunteer Dan Del Villano. “My son is very good at bass and he’s learned everything at the school – he plans to go on to UVic for its music program.”

Funds raised go towards program expenses such as uniform, instruments, and sheet music purchases.

The event is happening again on Jan. 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Reynolds Secondary parking lot on the corner of Borden Street and McKenzie Avenue.

ALSO READ: Looking to dispose of your Christmas tree? Try tossing it in the backyard


Do you have a story tip? Email: megan.atkinsbaker@saanichnews.com.

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