The second-year the event was featured at Northlands Parkway Collegiate in Winkler, all 520 tickets were sold for the annual Katie Cares Fashion show.

Treasurer/spokesperson Ruth Reimer says even in the weeks leading up the event, people were asking if more tickets were available.

"It takes hundreds to make this event possible," says Reimer, "And it's more than the people who fill the tables."

"45 models are walking down that runway, 20-25 volunteers in that room, store owners, and the committee is there, so close to 600 people. You think about how many volunteers have been involved in this, and how long we plan. We start planning in February. We counted it up the other day, 142 volunteers throughout the year."

Through ticket sales alone, over $31,000 was raised for Katie Cares and Katie's Cottage, going directly into the services the organization provides.

With the demand for this service remaining high, Reimer says it can be stressful at times, but this is a job she wouldn't give up for the world.

"It can be overwhelming at times, the thought of how many people are being touched by what a 13-year-old girl could see and dream of, it's heartwarming. It almost brings me to tears, knowing Kaitlyn had such an impact on this world at such a young age."

2019's figures haven't been calculated yet, but over the course of 2018, 892 rooms were rented, all people who needed a place to stay while a loved one was in the hospital.

Reimer says it's satisfying when all the pieces fall into place, and even when small hiccups do happen, it doesn't hamper the festivities in the slightest.