Tractor Tug for Tots breaks records at U of G

The horsepower was all human at the University of Guelph Tuesday, as students put their strength to the test for charity at the 19th annual Tractor Tug for Tots.

The long-running fundraiser sees teams of students competing to pull two tractors across a 74-metre stretch, all in support of the St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation Guelph and its Ontario Autism Program.

“This is my third year at the university and third year participating in this event,” said participant Nathan Dawe. “Overall, it’s a great way to donate to the great charities they have each year and get out and have some fun with friends and peers here at the University of Guelph.”

Event chair Brieanna Smith said this year’s event saw record participation, with 25 teams competing across three categories — best pull, most raised for sponsorship and best costume.

“We have a donating goal of $15,000 to the charity of the Saint Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation Guelph to support their Ontario Autism Program,” said Smith.

For students like Hope Emery, the event is about more than muscle.

“I think it’s important to give back to our community, and even the future generations of students that could be coming to Guelph as well,” said Emery. “So, just trying to support as much as we can, especially if we have the capacity to do so.”

As for strategy, participants kept it simple.

“Definitely not a lot of strategy, but if we get a couple of bigger guys on the end of that rope, I’m sure we can have a good shot at doing alright today,” said Dawe.

“We try to put our strongest person near the tractor,” added Emery. “But you know, we’re all strong in our own right. We all collaborate towards it, and we just kind of pull and try not to give up.”

The event is set to wrap up at 4 p.m.