A unique convoy made its way through our region on the weekend. A total of 40 antique and vintage tractors participated in the 13th annual Visit the Villages Tractor Trek.

The event, which is a fundraiser for Eden Foundation, started Saturday morning from the Village of Reinland and made its way through several villages before ending at Pembina Threshermen's Museum.

Earl Reimer, director of development for Eden Foundation, says they had 40 tractors in this year's event.

"When this was first started 13 years ago, the dream was to have 40 tractors driving 40 kilometres to raise $40,000. Today we have 40 tractors that are driving closer to 60 kilometres this year and the amount of money that has been donated so far is sitting at approximately $32,000. We know that's not all that is going to come in, so we think our goal will be met again this year."

The annual event drew supporters of Eden from across the region for an enjoyable ride on a gorgeous fall day.

Kathy Elias, who has participated in the Tractor Trek for the past four years, talked about the vintage tractor she drove, which has been in the family for several decades.

"It was my brother's tractor and before that, it was my grandfather's tractor. My brother bought it to keep it in the family and when he didn't want it anymore, I bought it. We fixed it up to keep it running a couple of years ago, but it does need some rebuilding, but that's a winter project."

Teresa Penner has also taken part in the Tractor Trek for the past four years. She got started when her uncle asked her to drive his tractor in the fundraising event.

"I drove that one for a few years and then I actually bought one from him that he found at a scrapyard. It's not the prettiest tractor but it runs. It burns a little bit of oil, but we have a good time."

Both women participate in the Tractor Trek because it's fun, but it also raises money for a great cause, according to Penner.

"A lot of people struggle with mental health and they don't always like to talk about it. Eden is a safe place where you can talk about it and they support you. It's an important part of our community."