On Friday, December 14th, OPP teams from detachments across eastern Ontario will test their strength attempting to pull a 28,000 pound Mobile Command Unit truck, all in an effort to raise funds for their local United Ways!
“The OPP is happy to be working with our local United Way to help ensure essential services for Smiths Falls and communities across Lanark County are available”, said Chief Superintendent Chris Harkins, Commander of OPP East Region. “This Pulling for United Way will be a friendly competition and we know the real winners will be the United Ways and the community agencies they fund” Donations made to support each team from across the region will go back their community’s United Way, making sure that all funds stay 100% Local.
This marks the first time local OPP and United Way have tried such an event in our region. Teams made up of 10 OPP members per team will have a fun and friendly competition to see which team can pull the East Region Mobile Command Unit the fastest over a distance of 50 feet. The truck pull will take place in Smith Falls in the Settlers Ridge Centre Parking Lot located at 275 Brockville Street, through the generosity of the Saumure Group and also made possible by the Town of Smith Falls. Start time for the pull is 12:00 noon with a kick-off brunch for participants from The Hawks Nest starting at 10:30 am, (also available for $10.00 for spectators, with part of the proceeds to the United Way). There will also be prizes up for grabs for the “winning” teams for the fastest time, most funds raised by a team and most spirited team.
“We are very excited for this opportunity to partner with the OPP East Region to make this truck pull happen. This is a family event and anyone and everyone from near and far are invited to come out to watch, cheer and encourage all the teams” commented Helen McIntosh, Chair of United Way Lanark County’s Advisory Council. “We are sure the participating OPP members will appreciate their communities support!”
Participants and spectators will have access to the mall during the event to allow participants to stay warm and use the washroom facilities, and the Rotary Club of Smiths Falls is generously opening up their space in the mall as headquarters for the event. As the actual Pull is an outdoor event, spectators are encouraged to dress warmly for the weather conditions. Breakfast will be available for purchase starting at 10:30 am and there will be free coffee and hot chocolate generously donated by Tim Hortons in Smith Falls. There will also be an opportunity for spectators to have their picture taken with the Mobile Command Unit.
This is going to be a great event! We hope you can join us and cheer on the teams!
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For more information please contact Amy Elsner, Community Partnership Development Officer, United Way Lanark County at 613-253-9074 or by email aelsner@unitedwaylanarkcounty.ca