Over 50 vintage tractors rumbled across southern Manitoba this weekend as part of Eden Foundation’s 18th annual Tractor Trek — a community-driven fundraising event supporting mental health services in the region.
The event kicked off Saturday morning at the Eden Health Care Centre grounds in Winkler and wound through Morden, Chortitz, and Schanzenfeld.
“This event is about connection, heritage, and hope,” said Dave Sawatsky, Director of Development at Eden Foundation. “There’s a lot of good energy here. The tractors are rolling in, lunch is cooking, the sun is shining, it’s the perfect day to support mental health in our community.”
A tradition born from purpose and passion
The Tractor Trek began in 2007 as a creative alternative to traditional fundraisers. Armin Enns, a longtime supporter and one of the founding organizers, shared the roots of the event while seated on his beautifully restored 1948 Ford 8N. The same tractor he drove in the very first Trek.
“We needed a new venue to raise funds where everything contributed would go directly to the cause,” Enns explained. “I had just restored this tractor, and I wanted an excuse to drive it. That’s how it started.”
Since then, Tractor Trek has raised over $1 million in support of Eden Foundation’s mission to provide accessible mental health care throughout the Pembina Valley.
Three generations of Trekkers: A family legacy
Among the hum of engines and the scent of summer air, one family’s story stood out. A legacy in motion, powered by diesel and bound by blood.
John Hiebert has been part of Tractor Trek for years, but 2025 marked a deeply meaningful milestone. For the first time, three generations of Hieberts. John, his sons, and his grandson Aaron were all part of the convoy.
“It means a whole lot,” said John, seated proudly on his vintage ride. “It’s probably my last year of driving. Maybe not. But either way, this year is special.”
Aaron, John’s teenage grandson, climbed into the driver’s seat of a very special tractor, one purchased brand new by John’s grandfather in 1953.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” said Aaron. “It was actually my idea last year. My dad and grandpa were doing it, and I thought, ‘Why just them? I want to be part of this too.’”
Although he wasn’t old enough to participate then, this year, Aaron got his wish, driving the same machine his great-great-uncle Isaac once worked the fields with, despite having only one hand. The tractor was passed from Isaac to John’s father, then to John’s nephew, and now Aaron carries the torch.
“It’s full circle,” John said. “I’m really proud he can drive it. And he’s proud too, he really wanted to be part of it.”
Aaron, who admits he’s never worked a field a day in his life, marveled at the toughness of the farmers who once relied on the aging but enduring piece of equipment.
“I’m thinking, how did they do it back then?” he laughed. “It’s one of those hot days, and I’m just sweating up here. People were just more manly, I guess.”
Beyond the nostalgia, the Hieberts were part of something bigger. Each tractor in the convoy represents support for Eden Foundation’s mental health programs, something John says is critical.
“All the money helps,” he said. “There’s so much need out there, and Eden does incredible work. We’re proud to be part of it.”
For the Hieberts, Tractor Trek is more than a drive. It’s a story of family, legacy, and a community coming together one mile at a time.
More than just a parade: It’s about mental health
While the parade of tractors is the main attraction, the heart of the event lies in its purpose: raising awareness and funds for mental health support across the region.
“Whether you’re here for the tractors, the burgers, or just to enjoy the sunshine, you’re helping someone get the support they need,” said Sawatsky. “That’s the beauty of this event, it brings people together for something that matters.”
For Armin Enns, who served on the Eden Foundation board for nearly 20 years, supporting mental health is deeply personal.
“There was a time when people were ashamed to talk about needing help,” he said. “But we’ve come a long way. To see the community embrace this event and what it stands for is incredibly meaningful.”
Enns reflected on the spiritual foundation of the event’s success. “I’ve always believed in Proverbs 16:3 ‘Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.’ And this community has proven that over and over again.”
A million-dollar movement and growing
The original vision for the event was modest: raise $40,000 with 40 tractors running 40 kilometers. But in 2022, Eden Foundation surpassed the $1 million mark, a milestone few could have predicted in the beginning.
“When we started, we wanted to make sure no one would be left behind because of finances,” Enns said. “Now we’ve built a legacy that ensures support is always within reach.”
As the tractors rolled out just after 1:15 p.m., community members lined the route, waving, cheering, and snapping photos - celebrating a day where horsepower met heart.
Learn more and get involved
To support Eden Foundation’s ongoing mental health initiatives or to watch video highlights of this year’s Tractor Trek, visit Eden Foundation on Facebook or Instagram or their website at edenhealthcare.ca.
Whether it’s restoring an old tractor or helping someone restore their mental health, Tractor Trek continues to prove that in the Pembina Valley, community care never goes out of style.