Festive tractor run raises thousands for charity
13th December 2021
Over £6,000 has been raised for Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs and Midlands Air Ambulance.
Image: South Staffs Water
Nearly 100 festive tractors took to the roads in Staffordshire on 5th December, in a Christmas convoy arranged by South Staffs Water and Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs.
The event was previously held in 2019 and again saw a tractor parade travel a 20-mile route, lit up with Christmas lights and inflated Santas, while one even had a rotating Christmas tree.
Commenting on the event, which raised thousands for charity, Julia Taylor, county organiser at Staffordshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs said: “I’m so pleased we could bring some festive cheer to the local community and I’m overwhelmed at the feedback and generosity of the people who came out to see the tractors. It makes all the hard work behind the scenes worthwhile.
“Donations are still being received but we have raised £6,000 so far which means £3,000 will go to each charity; the Staffordshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs and Midlands Air Ambulance. Thank you so much for the support from the spectators and from our sponsors!”
South Staffs Water senior catchment advisor Nina Yiannoukos-Benton added: “I’m so proud to be part of the tractor run. This was the second time we’ve held the event and this year was particularly special after the difficult time we’ve all had over the last couple of years.
“It was wonderful to be able to spread some cheer to our local communities and see the smiles on the people’s faces as we drove by. Some people may wonder why a water supplier is one of the organisers of the event; we work really closely with the Staffordshire Farmers, to ensure that we provide high quality water for our customers so it’s fitting that we work on that partnership to create such an amazing event like the tractor run.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up for anyone wishing to make a donation: https://www.gofundme.com/f/christmas-tractor-run
