MADISON — Wanna do something very few other people have ever done?
How about pulling a firetruck with a rope to bring attention to substance abuse? And, at the same time, to raise funds for support services to help people live a drug-free life?
The second annual Pullin’ for Partnership Fire Truck Challenge has been rescheduled for Nov. 10 after being postponed from October due to severe weather. The registration deadline for teams has reopened with a deadline of Friday.
The Partnership for a Drug-Free Community and Madison Fire & Rescue event will be from 1-5 p.m. at Madison Schools Stadium at 211 Celtic Drive in Madison.
The pull involves teams of 10 competing for bragging rights, trophies, and a chance to prove they have what it takes to pull a 46,000-pound fire truck 100 feet with a rope.
Not only does the event raise money and bring awareness to the substance abuse problems in our community, but it is also a family-friendly community event with youth activities and food trucks.
Madison Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Brandy Williams said the department is supporting the “Pullin’ for Partnership” event because, as first responders, they see the impact of the opioid and fentanyl crises almost daily.
“I think most people are very aware that we have a serious substance use crisis, and too many are dying,” said Williams. “Anything we can do to bring awareness to programs that help address it, from trying to prevent it, to helping those who have an addiction, it is a positive for our city and community.
“Furthermore, the department will have strict safety protocols to ensure it is an event that is fun for all.”
Wendy Reeves, the Partnership’s executive director, said the fire truck pull can be a great team-building exercise and a fun stress buster.
“But it’s the reason we’re doing it that’s so important,” she said. “As tough as our current substance use challenge is, we see this as a great way to show those who may be struggling with addiction and maintaining their sobriety that there are many people ‘pulling’ for them to get better and lead healthier lives.”
It is also a rare opportunity for people to be able to say they pulled a fire truck with a rope, and a reminder that Partnership’s Recovery Resource Hub is a key to getting help, even for those with no resources.
“All of the services are free,” Reeves added.
The cost to enter is $25 per person or $250 per team.
Any donation is tax-deductible, and all proceeds support Partnership for a Drug-Free Community’s programs, which are in high demand with the opioid, fentanyl, and vaping epidemics.
Click here for event rules and registration information.
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