UM Aggie Bedpush rolls across Manitoba to support rural health and wellness

The annual Aggie Bedpush is back this fall, continuing a beloved tradition of fundraising and community spirit led by students from the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

From September 26 to 28, students will push their iconic burgundy bed through Manitoba towns, raising money for two meaningful causes: STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) Foundation and the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program

Bedpush organizer Pyper Hollar explains the deep connection between these charities and the farming community.

“Many Aggies live and or work in rural communities meaning that the nearest hospital can be at least an hour’s drive away. STARS is an Air Rescue service that can provide not only hospital transport when trouble arises, but has an incredible team of highly skilled professionals who can treat on the ground and in the air; STARS can be the difference between life and death for many Aggies out there,” she says.

Mental health is another key concern.

“The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program was created to help provide no-cost short term counseling those in the ag community. The program understands it can be hard to talk to someone who doesn’t fully understand your situation, that’s why they focus on ‘farmers helping farmers’.”