Eden ends partnership with Steinbach’s Tractor Trek

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This article was published 01/05/2024 (552 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The tractors will still be rolling out from the Mennonite Heritage Village on June 8, but it will no longer be sanctioned by Eden Foundation.

Earlier this month, the foundation issued a press release saying they had decided to dissolve the partnership with MHV.

Jayme Giesbrecht, director of development for Eden Foundation, described it as a great partnership saying it started well.

The Steinbach Tractor Trek began in 2010, four years after Winkler’s began.

“Through the years we did see a decrease in support as far as financial donations and as well as participation from tractor trekkers,” Giesbrecht said.

Winkler’s first Tractor Trek began in 2006 featuring 40 tractor drivers who raised $40,000 for Eden’s mental health programs and resources.

Over the last couple of years, it’s consistently attracted over 50 tractors and raised close to $90,000 annually.

Steinbach did not see the increase that Winkler did.

Giesbrecht said 2023 saw the Steinbach trek raise about $23,000 with closer to 20 tractors.

In a press release she praised the relationship between MHV and Eden Foundation but said the event had come to the natural end.

“We are so thankful to have had years of support from the tractor trekkers, who worked hard to secure pledges and donations for both organizations and became ambassadors for us,” she said. “Their time and efforts did not go unnoticed.”

Giesbrecht also expressed thanks to the business sponsors who came on board.

The partnership with MHV was also beneficial in other ways according to Giesbrecht.

“MHV’s supportive lead has helped us develop a stronger presence in Steinbach, and let residents know that Eden is there to fill a need and provide mental health services including housing, counselling, employment services and psychiatric evaluation to all.”

Despite the removal of the partnership, the tractors will still be rolling this year.

Nathan Dyck, development coordinator for MHV said in a press release that their event will be hosted on June 8.

“Along with our community of drivers, we decided it was important to continue funding the important work of Eden Health, and so a portion of all proceeds will go to Eden Foundation to support the great work they do in the Steinbach and area community,” he said.

Tractors will travel from MHV through Giroux to Ste Anne, stop for a community lunch and a coffee break at La Cocina Foods and return to MHV for dinner.

“We would love to see the community come out to support the drivers and help fundraise for both Mennonite Heritage Village and Eden Foundation,” Dyck said. “You can come join us for a wonderful breakfast at the Livery Barn Restaurant as well, so stay tuned for more details as we share them with the community.”