The Shifting Gears Tractor Parade is planned for Saturday, August 17 with the hope of raising $50,000 for the Three Oaks Cabin.
The log cabin, located at 6522 Bilton Line in Florence, is dedicated to helping farmers and first responders with their mental health and wellbeing. It has welcomed about 45 guests since opening in May and has bookings through November.
Saturday's parade will feature dozens of tractors and allows residents to pay tribute to the hard working men and women in the industry.
It gets underway at 2 p.m. from 1035 Shetland Rd. in Florence.
The parade will travel north to Bentpath line, east to Davis Road, south to Bilton line, west to Shetland Road then south to Lambton Line, west to Florence Town Line into Florence ending at the Community Centre.
Board Chair Diane Bergsma said it's important to thank farmers and first responders in a public setting.
"It's a great opportunity for families to go for an outing for the afternoon," said Bergsma. "The best place for spectators along the route would be along Shetland Road, south of Bilton Line and Lambton Line, west of Shetland Road. We just hope it's a great community event and a place where farmers can connect with other farmers. It's been a very difficult spring for a lot of farmers in southwestern Ontario. Sometimes, being with other people who are experiencing similar struggles or hurdles, and sharing your story makes it feel less lonely or isolated."
The Three Oaks Cabin was built by the Bergsma family in memory of their son Dalles, a farmer and member of the Dawn Euphemia Fire Department, who died by suicide in 2020.
Bergsma said they've partnered with the National Farmers Mental Health Alliance, a group of Ontario based therapists who have extensive experience with the triumphs and pitfalls of both farming and first responder cultures.
"We felt it was of utmost importance that we partner with someone who could connect well with our guests during their follow up session that all our guests are offered upon their return home," she said.
In May, they were announced as the recipient of a $25,000 grant from Growing Homes with BASF Agricultural Solutions Ontario.
A formal cheque presentation is scheduled for September 14.
The money will be used for building trails in the woodlot for guests to enjoy and receive the benefits of being out in nature.
