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10th Anniversary George E. Smith Memorial Fire Truck Pull Raises Funds to Increase Access to Healthy Programs at the Y News Release

Brockville, ON – With the tremendous efforts of the Hudson Family, Burnbrae Farms, and a host of sponsors and donors, this year’s 10th Anniversary George E. Smith Memorial Fire Truck Pull has once again proved to be a great success.

To date, the event has raised $75,000 of our $110,000 goal, with contributions continuing to come in.

This year’s event drew 19 teams from across Ontario and Quebec, each taking turns pulling a fully loaded fire truck the length of the YMCA parking lot. Spectators cheered on their favourite teams while enjoying a BBQ generously donated by Brockville Hyundai, accompanied by live music from the local band Sweetleaf.

Local Firefighter with a young spectator
Local Firefighter with a young spectator
Brockville Fire Department team
Brockville Fire Department team
“The YMCA couldn’t have pulled off such a fantastic event without the support of our sponsors and donors,” said Rob Adams, CEO of YMCA of Eastern Ontario.

Funds raised support the YMCA’s Financial Assistance Program, which provides access to the Y’s inclusive programs and services for community members in need.

“In 2024, your Y provided subsidies to one in three children to attend summer camp and to one in four individuals to improve their physical and mental well-being. Many programs now include a food component, and last year we served over 33,000 meals to at-risk youth and teens in our communities,” Adams added.

This year marks a significant change, as the event will transition to the Paul F. Fournier Memorial Fire Truck Pull in 2025, honouring Paul F. Fournier, a longtime YMCA supporter and community advocate.

New vs Old logo

Fournier Family with Rob Adams, CEO
Fournier Family with Rob Adams, CEO YMCA of Eastern Ontario

After an intense morning of competition, the top two teams were:

  1. Brockville Fire Department – 26.56
  2. New Terra – 27.42

This year also marks the final year for our esteemed host sponsor, Burnbrae Farms, under the leadership of Ian McFall, who has been instrumental in the event’s success over the past 10 years.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to support this incredible event over the years,” said Ian McFall, event co-chair and Executive Vice-President with Burnbrae Farms. “Seeing the community come together for such a worthy cause has been immensely rewarding. As I step down from this role, I look forward to continuing to support the YMCA in new ways and watching this event grow even more impactful in the years to come.”

The YMCA extends heartfelt thanks to event sponsors, volunteers, the local fire department, and everyone who contributed to making the 2024 George E. Smith Memorial Fire Truck Pull a success.

Event success celebration
Steve Clark, MPP, presenting scroll
Steve Clark, MPP, presenting a scroll to Rob Adams, CEO, commemorating the 10th anniversary

About the YMCA of Eastern Ontario

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is a charity that provides programs and services to improve health outcomes, develop leaders, build social connections, and offer safe, inclusive spaces for people of all ages.

The Y is Canada’s largest childcare provider and offers specialized programs including Work Hard Eat Well, Teen Night, Teen Drop-in, Student Impact Program, Hearthstone Housing, and Total Life Care.

Contact

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Emily Wimpenny
Director, Regional Operations and Programs
Email: emily.wimpenny@eo.ymca.ca
Mobile: 613-802-8887

Anna Hudson
Executive Assistant and Association Support
Email: anna.hudson@eo.ymca.ca
Phone: 613-342-7961 ext. 30