This May, your garden can help a child discover their passion. The Chance 2 Grow program, a community initiative under the Child and Family Services of Central Manitoba Foundation, is once again offering beautiful petunias in its 5th Annual Fundraising Plant Sale — with every purchase supporting local kids in accessing sports, music, art, and more. The last day to order is Thursday, May 16.
Volunteer Becky Loewen has been with Chance 2 Grow for five years and continues to witness the program’s life-changing impact. “There are just a lot of families in our community that can’t quite swing the tuitions or the fees,” she says. “This program is here to help them say yes — yes to hockey, yes to piano lessons, yes to dance class.”
Empowering kids through extracurricular opportunities
The funds raised through the plant sale go directly toward covering costs for children in economically disadvantaged households to participate in extracurricular programs.
“Personally, my kids were involved in sports and music,” Loewen shares. “We saw how much they grew from it — their confidence, friendships, leadership skills. I want other children to have that same opportunity, regardless of their family’s financial situation.”
And with the rising cost of living, the need has never been greater. “There’s just no end to it,” she says. “Many parents are doing everything they can just to feed their kids. Extracurriculars often aren’t even on the table.”
A fundraiser that grows — literally
This year’s fundraiser features the Proven Winners Supertunia – Black Cherry, a deep burgundy flower known for blooming all summer long with minimal maintenance.
“Yes, I know petunias might make you think of grandma’s garden,” Loewen laughs, “but these are stunning. They’re lush, rich in colour, and don’t need to be deadheaded. They’re the kind of flower you can plant once and enjoy for months.”
The plant sale offers:
• $6 per plant or 10 for $55
• Free delivery in the Pembina Valley for orders of 10+ plants
• Pickup/Delivery Date: May 21
• Pickup Location: CFS Office, Winkler
And it’s not just a clever fundraiser — it ties perfectly into the program’s mission. “We thought, what better way to raise money for a program called Chance 2 Grow than with something that literally grows?” says Loewen.
How to order
To place an order:
• Email: chancetogrowplantsalewinkler@gmail.com
• Include your name, phone number, and address (if requesting delivery)
Payment pptions:
• E-transfer to: cfscmfd@gmail.com
• Cheques payable to: CFSCM Foundation Inc.
Order deadline: Thursday, May 16
Pickup or delivery: Tuesday, May 21
Planting hope, one bloom at a time
Loewen says what motivates her most is knowing that these small efforts lead to real, lasting change for children in our community. “It’s not just about helping with fees. It’s about giving kids a place to belong, a chance to discover who they are.”
And for anyone who forgot a Mother’s Day gift? “This is your chance to make up for it,” Loewen laughs. “Grab some beautiful flowers and help a child thrive. That’s what I call a win-win.”