Small but dedicated group of participants ‘swim’ out for revamped Peace Trek

It was a differnt look for the fifth annual Peace Trek at Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) on Aug. 15, but organizers say they were pleased with the small group and the money raised.

The event is a fundraiser hosted by MHV to support Eden Foundation, an organization which funds Eden Health Care Services, dedicated to addressing mental health and wellness in communities across southern Manitoba.

“We are proud of our long-standing association with Eden, and even though summer is a very busy time for us, we will continue to find ways to make this event more visible and accessible to keep Eden’s programs running,” said MHV executive director Robert Goertzen.

Eden Foundation marketing and events manager Tyson Deceuninck, who made a point of visiting with each of the participants during the walk reported that while registration was down slightly this year, most likely due to weather and other summer obligations, 24 people registered for the trek and more than $6,000 dollars to date had been raised for the organization.

“I made my way up and down the procession,” said Deceuninck, “Several people said to me, ‘Don’t cut this short,’ and were all smiles as they sloshed their way between the waypoints of the course. They were just absolutely toughing it out and I was really impressed by that.”

He added that participants ranged from parents with toddlers to a 94-year-old.

“These people made it clear that the people we are here to support have lived through tougher conditions than this. Some of these folks have used the services we (Eden Foundation) provide, and they know what a challenge life can really be, what it means to struggle, so they are dedicated to showing their commitment.”

That display of solidarity for those experiencing mental health challenges and addictions struggles was a welcome message for several residents inside one home along the route as the procession made its way past a supportive housing unit operated by Eden. The trekkers made their presence known with waves and shouts of love and encouragement to those inside as they passed by.

One participant, who had driven all the way from Winkler just to join in on the trek, was more than prepared for the bad weather and took great pride in showing off her extra pair of dry socks stored in her weatherproof backpack to change into at the finishing point. A few extra towels to share with others wiping their glasses and anything else that needed a quick dry to complete the course were also a welcome bonus offering to fellow walkers.

“The whole time we were waiting to start, it was just fine, and then once we left (the pavilion) it just opened up and I thought looking up at the sky, ‘You have just got to be kidding,’” said Deceuninck while watching Goertzen lead the procession out of the MHV. “But nobody hesitated, nobody slowed down, they just walked and let their smiles shine.”

While the inclement weather led some to joke that the annual event might be called “The Peace Swim,” the rain was not a planned part of the revamped event. What was previously a cycle-a-thon has been changed into a walk to make the event more inclusive and easier to take part in for people of all ages and abilities.

“Not everyone is cut out for a marathon bike ride,” said Goertzen, “We will continue to make changes and tweaks to ensure the event has maximum impact, to help generate funds and particularly awareness for what Eden does, and to improve the experience for participants.”

The funds raised by the Peace Trek will be used for Eden Health Care Services programs. Eden operates three specific programs here in Steinbach, the flagship of which is the supportive housing unit. It provides access for people with disabilities to shelter, counselling, and medical services.

“On our trek we made a point of walking by one of our supportive housing units that we have folks living with disabilities staying in. They have access to social workers and assistance, in some cases 24/7. It’s just a little bit more than affordable housing but it’s a cheaper place for them to live and they get care and help as needed … it helps prevent relapse or worse, seeing them on the street or getting involved with the criminal justice system,” said Deceuninck.

Donations can still be made to the Peace Trek until Friday at mhv.ca/event/peace-trek-5k-community-walk/.