Written by Judy Peters. Steinbach Online/AM 1250 Radio
The first annual Peace Trek saw 35 people register to walk, run or cycle down the Manitoba Peace Trail on Saturday (August 20th), in support of Eden Foundation and the Mennonite Heritage Village.
Jayme Giesbrecht with Eden Foundation spoke to supporters who gathered at the Dirk Willems Peace Garden.
She says they are working on renovating space at Wilson apartments for a community kitchen.
“There are 48 apartment units within both sites, Wilson Court and Penfeld apartments,” she says. “These blocks include rent geared to income suites. As such, we expect that more than 50 individuals, who would otherwise be at risk of homelessness or struggle living with their mental illness or even substance use disorders, will benefit so greatly from the community and togetherness that an updated common room kitchen will provide.”
Museum Executive Director Gary Dyck says the Peace Trek raised over $12,000 with final numbers still coming in.
“It’s going to be shared 50/50, the funds for the museum and Eden Foundation,” he says, “to help the community with wellbeing, mental health.”
Dyck says the museum is committed to providing space to promote overall wellbeing, and that is why it makes sense for them to partner with Eden Foundation, to raise money that will allow both organizations to offer support to our community.
He is already dreaming about the next Peace Trek and growing the event to include even more people.