Tractors Unite Communities and Fund Mental Health Services

The 18th annual Tractor Trek, hosted by the Eden Foundation on July 12, successfully merged historical appreciation with a vital cause, raising over $75,000 to support mental health services in southern Manitoba. This year’s event marked a significant milestone as it showcased both vintage and modern tractors, reinforcing the community’s commitment to mental health awareness.

The Tractor Trek has amassed a remarkable total of over $1.2 million since its inception, according to Dave Sawatzky, Director of Development for the Eden Foundation. In his welcoming remarks, Sawatzky expressed gratitude to participants, stating, “Your support restores not just tractors, but the lives of people facing mental illness.”

The event attracted a diverse crowd, comprising both long-time supporters and newcomers. Sawatzky encouraged those who had been involved since the first Trek to raise their hands, acknowledging the event’s history. He also introduced Tyson, the Eden Foundation’s new Marketing and Events Manager, who captured the day’s highlights, including aerial drone shots of the tractors traversing the picturesque countryside.

Community Engagement and Support

The Tractor Trek is not merely a display of machinery; it symbolizes unity and purpose. Local dignitaries, including Ryan Hildebrand, a representative from the City of Winkler, underscored the event’s significance. He remarked, “Eden impacts not only Winkler but all of southern Manitoba — through housing, employment programs like Segue, and mental health services. Over $1.2 million raised through this event is amazing.”

Mayor Nancy Penner of Morden echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community support in tackling mental health issues. Carrie Hiebert, the Morden-Winkler MLA, shared her personal connection to the cause, highlighting her family’s experiences with mental health challenges while humorously recounting a family story about tractors.

The event also featured a live auction led by Leighton Klassen, whose late father, Bill Klassen, was a dedicated supporter and auctioneer for many years. The auction not only raised additional funds but fostered an atmosphere of generosity and camaraderie among attendees.

Expanding Participation and Impact

For the first time, the Tractor Trek welcomed newer tractors, a decision aimed at broadening community involvement while maintaining its roots in vintage tractor appreciation. Sawatzky noted, “We wanted to broaden the community involvement. Opening the event to tractors of all ages was a way to do that while maintaining our core of vintage tractor enthusiasts.”

Participants engaged in various categories, with awards for Best Restored Tractor, Best Newer Tractor, and more. This informal competition added excitement, with judges including local leaders and event sponsors tasked with recognizing the diverse array of machines and their proud owners.

The event’s growth reflects its increasing impact on the Eden Foundation’s mental health services. Trekkers seek pledges from family and friends, similar to a walkathon, with funds directly supporting essential mental health care. The Foundation operates four key service pillars: psychiatric care, housing, counselling, and employment support through the Segue program.

Eden Foundation provides psychiatric care via the Eden Mental Health Centre and the Pathways program, serving the Southern Health region. Their housing initiative includes 145 apartment units across multiple locations, offering low-cost, supportive housing to promote independent living. The counselling services, provided through Recovery of Hope, employ approximately 24 master’s-level therapists to assist individuals and families facing life’s challenges.

In addition to these services, the Segue program helps clients find and maintain employment, recognizing the role of work in mental health recovery.

Sawatzky expressed his admiration for the event’s spirit, highlighting the genuine commitment of participants who come together, driven by personal connections to the cause. He remarked, “What amazes me every year is the spirit of the event. People come together, not because they have to, but because they want to.”

The Tractor Trek serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of community support for mental health, a critical issue that touches many lives. As the tractors made their way through the rural roads of southern Manitoba, they not only celebrated a shared passion but also left a lasting impact on the lives of those in need of mental health services.

The enduring legacy of the Tractor Trek lies in its ability to unite individuals for a cause that resonates deeply within the community, ensuring that support for mental health continues to grow and thrive in southern Manitoba.