PanAmerican Seed® has announced the charity that will receive support during the 2026 garden season through its Beacon® Impatiens brand. The company is partnering with Roots for Youth, an organization established by the Bradford Greenhouses Family Trust in Ontario, Canada. The initiative provides scholarships for higher education to teenagers and young adults who have experienced significant family loss.
Roots for Youth was founded in 2018 following the sudden death of a close friend and employee, who left behind a spouse and teenage children. The event highlighted the financial and emotional challenges families can face after such a loss, particularly when it comes to accessing further education.
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Len Ferragine, director of Roots for Youth, has witnessed firsthand the impact that tragic loss can have on families and how financial pressures can make pursuing education extremely difficult.
"Years ago, we supported this family as our first case. Today, we assist 14 young students and cover 100 percent of their college tuition, enabling them to pursue higher education," says Ferragine. "With support from Roots for Youth, they can grow into healthy, resilient citizens who make meaningful contributions to their communities."
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Roots for Youth aims to expand its reach in the coming years.
"In 2026, we want to support many more students who are dealing with loss and adversity," says Jason Hemsworth, director and secretary of Roots for Youth. "We thank Beacon Impatiens for supporting this important mission. They are a source of hope for those facing difficult circumstances."
"The team behind Beacon Impatiens wants to make a difference in people's lives, whether that's through colorful gardens or by helping to make dreams possible," says Sarah Makiejus, Global Marketing Manager at PanAmerican Seed. "We look forward to supporting Roots for Youth this season, with the help of growers and gardeners around the world."
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Impatiens walleriana Beacon is a series with proven high resistance to downy mildew in Impatiens, bringing color to shaded garden areas. As part of a broader campaign, PanAmerican Seed has committed to supporting a charitable organization each year and raising awareness of initiatives that assist people in need.
In addition to a financial donation at the end of the 2026 season, PanAmerican Seed will participate in further fundraising and joint events with Roots for Youth. To increase visibility, the Beacon brand will promote the organization through social media, its consumer website, and customer and media relations activities.
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More information about Beacon Impatiens' charity for this year can be found on the website: www.beaconimpatiens.com/shinethelight
For more information about Beacon Impatiens and to order seeds, visit www.panamseed.com
For more information:
PanAmerican Seed
https://www.panamseed.com/
