Sudbury’s inaugural Big Red Pull a resounding success

Sudbury's first Big Red Pull raised $18,000 for the United Way on Wednesday. 11 teams competed to pull a 25-tonne fire truck 100 feet. Alana Everson has more.

The United Way Centraide North East Ontario’s inaugural Big Red Pull was declared a significant success on Wednesday, with high energy and fierce competition marking the unique fundraising event. Elven local teams competed to pull a fully-equipped fire truck 100 feet across a finish line in the fastest possible time.

Funds to support local community programs

The event raised a total of $18,000, all of which will remain in the community to support vital local initiatives.

Cory Roslyn, the executive director of United Way Centraide North East Ontario, emphasized the critical importance of the funds raised.

“The money will support over 49 local community organizations who are running programs for the most marginalized in our community,” she said.

“We have three priority areas: moving from poverty to possibility, supporting children and youth, and building strong and healthy communities.”

Fire truck provides formidable challenge

The Greater Sudbury Fire Services supplied the fire truck for the event, presenting teams with a substantial physical challenge.

Greater Sudbury Deputy Chief Jesse Oshell detailed how daunting the task is to CTV News.

“That particular truck there weighs approximately 25 tonnes. It does have a tank full of water in it so that adds a bit of a disadvantage for those who are pulling it – but once you get that momentum going that truck will roll pretty good on this flat level surface.”

Vale Team One claims victory with record pull

The competition was won by Vale Team One, a group comprised of mine rescue members, who completed the pull in a swift 16.62 seconds.

Team member Kordell Hull expressed his team’s enthusiasm for participating.

“We got to compete with our fellow mine rescuers; we are all volunteer based so it’s great when we can get out at an event like this and compete as a group in a team building event,” he said.

“The energy out here today was amazing it was good to see all the teams competing for a common goal.”

Big Red Pull set to become an annual tradition

Due to the overwhelming success and positive community response, the United Way has confirmed that the Big Red Pull will become an annual event. The combination of teamwork, community spirit and a unique challenge proved to be a powerful formula for fundraising, ensuring the event’s return to support local causes in the years to come.