Pink tractor raises money for cancer

PERU, Ind. (WLFI) - When the owners of McClure's Orchard in Peru, Indiana were looking to purchase a new tractor, Paige McClure knew exactly what color she wanted.

"I've always loved pink. Pink is my favorite color," said McClure.

The 30 horsepower Kioti tractor helps out with the daily tasks that come with running a 60 acre, 4000 tree apple orchard. Despite its color, McClure said she's not afraid to get it dirty.

"It gets dirty. I move flowers around and as you know with the animals out at the barn, there's a lot of poo to clean up, so it cleans up the animal barn. It takes trash around, it does a little bit of everything. Things that are too heavy for me to do, I throw it in the bucket and move it that way," said McClure.

Not only does McClure use her tractor to help out with the chores at the orchard, she also uses it for a good cause: To raise money and bring awareness to breast cancer.

"My mom died of breast cancer five years ago and when this tractor was delivered, my first thought was she would have just loved this because she loved pink also. That's why we put the breast cancer logos on it," said McClure.

McClure has owned the tractor since last July. She said it's helped raise thousands of dollars for breast cancer awareness.

Local businesses request it to be put on display for breast cancer fund raisers. McClure said the money stays in the community.

"It's not going corporate. It's going to foundations where people can get mammograms, women can get mammogram, if they need a wig, if they need child care, anything like that. The money is going directly to women who need it," said McClure.

McClure's tractor has even received national exposure. It was front and center at the Kioti booth at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky back in February. As for the rest of the year, McClure said organizations have already contacted her to use it in their fund raisers.

"Just anything we can do. Anytime anybody asks, if it's possible, we'll do it to help them raise money," said McClure.

McClure also sells breast cancer awareness merchandise in her gift shop with 100% of the proceeds going to local women.

Lyle Woods, owner of Off Duty Ranch Inc. where McClure purchased her tractor, said he's working on developing a web page where breast cancer survivors can share their stories.

Additional pictures of McClure's tractor can be found on Off Duty Ranch, Inc.'s website.

Woods said he's in the process of getting the pink color and slogan "Fight Like a Girl" trademarked.