OAC puts on annual Tractor Tug for Tots in support of Guelph Wish Fund for Children
By Oliver Cryns
Farms.com Intern
Photo Credit: Oliver Cryns
In the heart of the University of Guelph campus, on Monday, October 22, 2023, the Ontario Agricultural College held its annual Tractor Tug for Tots charity event in support of the Guelph Wish Fund for Children. Organized by student groups, this tractor pulling spectacle was a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the farming world and their love of competition.
The tug featured two iconic industry brands: a John Deere 6110 M and a Case IH 140A.
Farms.com is proud to be a sponsor of the event.
The Guelph Wish Fund for Children is a non-profit organization that supports and grants ‘wishes’ to kids who are experiencing life-changing injuries or illnesses in the Guelph and Wellington County regions. With 455 wishes granted so far, OAC wanted to use this year's Tractor Tug to raise more funds for the Guelph Wish Fund and allow them to keep doing their amazing work.
As the tractors roared to life, the university campus transformed into a competition ground where different student groups put their strength and determination on display as they pulled each of the unmistakable silhouettes of the John Deere and Case IH tractors.
With a large rope attached to each tractor, each student group of 8 took turns pulling one and then the other tractor up Reynolds Walk, taking the average time between each of their two pulls, as the tractors had roughly a 1,000lb difference between them.
At the end of the day, it came down to two teams "2024 Manly Men" (winners) and the "Rub and Tugs". But of course, the real winners will be the kids who are part of the Guelph Wish Fund for Children, whose wishes will come true thanks to the $13,000 raised by this year’s event.
OAC also got other students involved with a side competition whereby students could donate and compete against friends pulling a small mower, the mowers included a classic John Deere X350 R Mower versus a Cub Cadet XT2 LX46.
With over 15 teams competing, the Tractor Tug for Tots event was a great success, which concluded with a tight finale between two spectacular student-led teams and crowds cheering them on. The Tractor Tug event epitomized the spirit of the OAC aggies as they rallied students from across the campus to come and support the local cause.
Mark your calendars for next fall when the Tractor Tug returns in 2024!
Watch the video from the event.