A spring tradition in the Capital City is back as the 11th Annual Curing Kids Cancer Fire Truck Pull will be taking place in downtown Columbia on Saturday April 6th to raise money for childhood cancer research.
The Columbia-Richland Fire Department is once again working with Curing Kids Cancer to stage the competition on Lady Street between Main and Sumter streets. Beginning at 10 a.m. teams of strong-bodied and strong-willed competitors will face off to see who can pull a 14,000 pound fire truck 50 feet down the block in the fastest time.
Every dollar raised from the event will go to support pediatric cancer research at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands in Columbia.
Teams looking to take part in this year’s competition can register by visiting www.curingkidscancer.org
“It is awesome for us to work with Curing Kids Cancer on this event each year,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “It truly has become a fun and exciting way to kickoff the spring season here in Columbia. Our firefighters are among the many teams excited to compete and raise funds in support of a great cause.”
“We are incredibly thankful for the continued support of the whole Columbia community as we prepare for the 11th Annual Fire Truck Pull,” says Grainne Owen, co-founder and president of Curing Kids Cancer. “Together, we have made a real and significant difference in the lives of these brave children battling cancer. They may not be real life princes and princesses BUT they ARE true heroes!”
Last year the Fire Truck Pull generated more than $26,000 with 21 teams taking part. All proceeds from the event were directed to the Gamecock Curing Kids Cancer endowment at the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands. To date that endowment has reached $1.2 million.
Photos from the 2023 Fire Truck Pull in downtown Columbia
For the competition a team of all males or a mix of males and females can have up to 10 people. All female teams can have to 12 people. Awards for best times will be presented to teams in both categories and the team that raises the most money in donations will also be recognized at the event.
All teams registering are asked to pull in honor or in memory of a child who has been touched by cancer.
