By Michelle Benedict, Global Programs Director
Canadian USANA Brand Partners have always been strong supporters of community and the USANA Foundation. Over the past year, that spirit of giving has taken root—quite literally—as Garden Towers began sprouting across Winnipeg.
Because of the growing number of projects and towers planned, I had the opportunity to travel there and work directly with our incredible partners and Brand Partners.
Years ago, Deanna Waters, USANA Brand Partner and Chairmen’s Club Member, brought the concept of Garden Towers to the Winnipeg City Council. From there, a few organizations piloted projects in the summer of 2024. Harvest Manitoba, Chalmers, and Women’s Empowerment were the first to take on the challenge—launching 50 towers that would lay the groundwork for something far bigger.
Community Roots Run Deep
Branching out of last years projects, Two groups in particular took the lead this year in a remarkable way.
Refugee Immigrant Farming Integration Manitoba (RIFIM) supports refugee families through farming initiatives. In partnership with the University of Manitoba’s Agricultural Department, they installed 200 towers this spring. Many of these towers were placed in the Rainbow Community Garden adjacent to the University, with others going to Gordon Bell High School and directly to refugee families ready to take stewardship of their own food-growing spaces.
At a special event where 70 volunteers came together to build and plant, beneficiaries and supporters gathered for training and connection. Raymond Ngarboui from RIFIM addressed the group and said:
“Some of us here used to have big farms, or small farming activities back home. But being here, as landless farmers, having something like this is very important.”
For many refugees, the act of growing something again is deeply symbolic. After giving up so much—homes, land, livelihoods—being able to plant, nurture, and harvest again is a healing experience. It brings new meaning to their new home. It breathes life back into them.
More Than Soil and Seeds
USANA Brand Partners Deanna Waters and Robbie Swaffer joined the event to build towers alongside volunteers and IRCOM leaders. Robbie reflected:
“Building the garden towers with this group was an amazing and wonderful experience! It was very fulfilling knowing that with one tower of many I built, I was able to help so many people”.
IRCOM (Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba) is also playing a key role. Many immigrant families live in apartment complexes where gardening space is scarce. But Garden Towers offer a creative, beautiful solution—giving each family a chance to have their own garden, right outside their home.
One newly arrived family from Myanmar, just weeks into their new life in Canada, received one of the first towers. Despite language barriers, they eagerly hauled soil, carried water, and helped construct their tower. As the garden began to take shape, smiles grew just as fast as the plants. Even the shyest young girls in the family lit up with excitement.
Not far away, a Nigerian family was working with volunteers to build their tower. The father had once run a large farm back home. As he watched the final touches go in place, he began to cry and said:
“This has been my dream—to live free and to have a garden again. Finally, it is real.”
Growing Together
Beyond these two major initiatives, Elim Chapel and Chalmers continue to run their pilot programs. Towers now dot the landscape across churches, schools, community gardens, and homes throughout Winnipeg.
Winnipeggers have always been known for their generosity and kindness. But this project brings those qualities into full bloom. What’s even more moving is the hospitality shown by the recipient families. They fed us. They cared for us. Their resilience and gratitude were humbling.
These families don’t take the towers for granted. They are careful stewards of the gift. They work hard. They show up. And they build community—not just gardens.
I found myself with them late one night, finishing the last planting in the dark. I was exhausted, covered in dirt, but filled with something deeper than satisfaction. Reflecting on the resiliency of the beneficiaries and the generosity of the USANA Brand Partners, I felt humbled. I came here thinking I was helping others build something—but what I didn’t expect was how much they would build something in me.
