NEAT Club tractor donations raise funds at Mennonite Relief Sale

Local and online bidders showed strong interest in the two restored tractors donated by the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club during the Mennonite Relief Sale auction in New Hamburg. Darlene Schmidt photo

By Gary West

Two restored antique tractors donated by members of the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club (NEAT) attracted plenty of attention at this year's Mennonite Relief Sale in New Hamburg.

Held under ideal weather conditions, the annual event drew thousands of visitors from across the region and beyond, including many from the Greater Toronto Area. Attendees came to bid on handcrafted quilts and other handmade items, while many others lined up for popular treats such as apple fritters, homemade pies, buns and bread.

Among the highlights of the weekend was the antique tractor auction, where NEAT members donated two fully restored tractors to support the fundraising efforts of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).

A 1958 Allis-Chalmers D-15 sold for $5,250 to Alvin Wagler of Topping, while a Ford 960 row-crop tractor was purchased by Bruce and Barb Schumm of Baden.

Club members thanked everyone who showed an interest in the donated tractors and supported the auction.

All proceeds from the tractor sales were donated to the Mennonite Relief Sale committee, with the funds directed to MCC's relief and development work around the world.

Donors who contribute tractors to the program receive a charitable tax receipt from the Mennonite Relief Sale committee based on the appraised value of the tractor before restoration work is completed.

Through its tractor donation program, the NEAT Club has now contributed more than $100,000 to MCC to support humanitarian and relief efforts in countries around the world.