Pictured: L-R Kimberly Giesbrecht, Ruth Reimer

Photo Credit: Abigail Wall

The organization was nominated by Kimberly Giesbrecht who is a member of Education Services, and Health Care Union, CLAC Local 306, employed by Garden Valley School Division. Kimberly knew Kaitlyn personally as her son and Kaitlyn attended Winkler Elementary together, Kimberly is also is a volunteer at Katie’s Cottage. The following is what Kimberly wrote in her nomination. 

“Katie was diagnosed with cancer at 13 and had a dream of starting a charitable organization that would help children who had to stay in the hospital,” says Kimberly. “Her parents, Randy and Ruth Reimer have continued to keep the vision and dream alive. Kaitlyn started the charity Katie Cares, while she was in hospital after she was diagnosed with cancer. She saw and felt a great need to give back to children, families, and her community. The organization provides stuffed animals and other items to children in the hospital. They have also opened a respite home for people who need a place to stay when they, or their loved ones, are staying at Boundary Trails Health Centre. Our local community and across Manitoba have greatly benefited from the caring gift for those who need a place to stay when they’re accessing care at BTHC (Boundary Trails Health Center). Manitobans from across the province have benefitted from staying at Katie’s Cottage.

CLAC is committed to supporting the communities where our members live and work through our Building Communities program. Twice a year, we donate to up to 15 randomly selected causes from eligible nominations, to help support the important work they do in their community. All causes are nominated by CLAC members, with donations ranging from $1,000 to $2,500.

Thank you to Kimberly for nominating Katie Cares. We appreciate the kindness and love you have shown to the charity. Many thanks go out to CLAC for your generous donation, we appreciate the donation and your commitment to our community. 

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