This Saturday, July 12, dozens of vintage tractors will rumble through Winkler and Morden as part of the 18th Annual Eden Foundation Tractor Trek, a unique blend of rural heritage, scenic roads, and heartfelt community support for mental health services.
This year marks a special milestone for the beloved fundraiser. For the first time, the event will begin on the grounds of Eden Mental Health Centre at 1500 Pembina Avenue, a meaningful location for both the event and the cause it supports.
The day starts with a fundraising barbecue
The day begins at 11:00 a.m. with a fundraising BBQ. Attendees can grab a sausage burger, chips, and a drink while admiring a line-up of classic and modern tractors. The atmosphere is family-friendly, and people are encouraged to walk among the machines, chat with tractor owners, and soak in the strong sense of community.
"It's a good marriage of folks who love their vintage tractors... but who also are really tied to the causes and the needs of the community." — Dave Sawatzky, Eden Foundation
Then just after 1:00 p.m., the engines roar to life.
The nearly 40-kilometre route will take participants through both Winkler and Morden, winding along gravel roads and city streets alike. The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and line the route — a full map is available at edenhealthcare.ca. Among the many scenic viewing spots: Mountain Avenue, 8th Street, Wilcox Road into Morden, and the area near the Research Station.
A coffee break at Green Valley Equipment (GVE), this year’s title sponsor, will offer a chance to compare modern marvels like the John Deere X9 combine with vintage iron still kicking up gravel.
Those who want to participate but don’t own a tractor still have options. “Call me,” laughs Eden Foundation’s Director of Development Dave Sawatzky. “I probably know a guy.” Registration is still open and anyone interested in joining the trek or simply supporting the cause can still contribute.
Related stories:
- Early bird deadline approaching for Eden Foundation's Tractor Trek powered by GVE
- Long-running Tractor Trek fundraiser reaches $1 million milestone for Eden Foundation
Donations support mental health in our community
For those who can’t attend in person, donations are welcome anytime, whether made in honour of a specific driver or as a general show of support. Proceeds fund Eden’s essential programs, including counselling for those without means, transitional housing, employment support, and volunteer initiatives within the Mental Health Centre.
“This event supports our work to break the cycle,” said Sawatzky. “We want to help people not just in crisis, but through every stage of their mental health journey so they can land safely and move forward.”
Over 1 million raised
In its 18-year history, Tractor Trek has raised over $1 million, all from within the community. “It’s something everyone should be proud of,” said Sawatzky. “It’s not just one person or one business, it’s everybody coming together.”
Head down to Eden this Saturday, cheer on the drivers, grab a burger, and show your support for mental health in the Pembina Valley.