A donation of $2,500 is now in the hands of Katie Cares, and will help further the mission of its founder.

The donation was presented by CLAC as part of the union's building communities program. 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.

Kaitlyn Reimer started the charity, Katie Cares while she was in hospital after she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 13. Kaitlyn had a dream of starting a charitable organization that would help children who had to stay in the hospital. She saw and felt a great need to give back to children, families, and her community, said Giesbrecht.

“Her parents, Randy and Ruth Reimer, have continued to keep the vision and dream alive," said Giesbrecht. "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 one, are staying at Boundary Trails Health Centre. Our local community has greatly benefited by the caring gifts given to anxious children who need to be admitted to hospital and to many, many people who need a place to stay when they’re accessing care at BTHC. Manitobans from across the province have benefitted from staying at Katie’s Cottage."

This $2,500 donation from CLAC will allow Katie Cares to continue to support the children and their families admitted to the hospital for treatment.