PanAmerican Seed announced the charity it will support for the 2026 gardening season through its popular brand of Beacon Impatiens. This year, the company will partner with Roots for Youth, an organization founded by the Bradford Greenhouses Family Trust in Ontario, Canada. The group empowers teens and young adults who have endured family tragedies by providing bursaries (scholarships) for post-secondary education.

Len Ferragine, director and president of Roots for Youth, has seen firsthand the heartache caused by tragic family loss and how the heavy burden of financial hardship can make pursuing education feel nearly impossible. A lifelong friend and longtime employee passed suddenly at a young age, leaving behind a wife and teenaged children. This event kick-started the charitable organization in 2018 to ensure the proceeds it raises go to deserving children in real need.

“Since helping that first family many years ago, we are now providing aid for 14 young students, paying 100 percent of their tuition to achieve their post-secondary education,” Ferragine said. “With Roots for Youth support, they can grow to become healthy and resilient contributors in their communities.”

“As we look ahead to 2026, we are committed to ensuring that many more students grappling with loss and hardship find the support they need,” said Jason Hemsworth, director and secretary for Roots for Youth. “Thank you, Beacon Impatiens, for joining us in this vital mission and for being a source of hope for those in difficult times.”

“The team behind Beacon Impatiens cares about making an impact in the lives of others, whether in their colorful gardens or by helping their dreams become reality,” said Sarah Makiejus, global marketing manager for PanAmerican Seed. “We look forward to supporting the Roots for Youth movement all season with the assistance of growers and gardeners around the world.”

Beacon Impatiens, a series of I. walleriana with proven high resistance to Impatiens downy mildew, brings flower-filled enjoyment back to shade gardens everywhere. As part of a dedicated mission to "shine the light," PanAmerican Seed has committed to supporting a new charity each year to bring awareness to organizations providing help to those in need.

Beyond the monetary donation at the completion of the 2026 season, PanAmerican Seed will participate in other fundraising and collaborative events with Roots for Youth. It will also build awareness for this cause through Beacon’s social media channels and consumer website, as well as through customer and media relations.

Stay tuned for ways to promote and contribute to this year’s cause-marketing efforts. Further information about this year’s Beacon Impatiens charity can be found at beaconimpatiens.com/shinethelight.