(GUELPH, ON) – Almost 30 eight-person teams dug in yesterday to pull massive John Deere tractors across a finish line in the fastest time – but the biggest winner was Sunshine Dreams for Kids.

 The event, called Tractor Tug for Tots, raised $12,000, thanks to teams from the University, the city of Guelph, and surrounding areas. The teams worked against a clock to pull 17,000-lb.  tractors 150 feet, cheered on by appreciative crowds.

The event was organized by the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) Class of 2008, with help from local sponsors and the Sunshine Dreams for Kids Foundation.

 “I’ve been to a lot of fundraisers around the country,” said Mark Foresi of Sunshine Dreams for Kids, “and in terms of organization, money raised, and sheer enjoyment of the event, this ranks among the top."

 The top three fastest-pulling teams, in order, were Elmira Farm Service, Guelph Police, and the OAC 2007 Heavy Weights.  For top fundraising team, the longstanding University of Guelph rivalry between engineers and Aggies resurfaced, with both bringing in nearly identical amounts. In the end, the OAC 2007 executive team raised the most money, and the engineers were awarded best dressed team, acknowledging their tremendous effort and spirit. 

All the money raised from pledges the teams collected will be donated directly to Sunshine Dreams for Kids, which fulfills the dreams of children living with severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. Since 1987, Sunshine Dreams for Kids has fulfilled over 6,200 dreams. 

Winning Teams and Organizers

Pulling Hard

Joel Hemingway - Top Fundraiser and 07 Stallion