Programs

Beanie Baby Program

The Beanie Baby Program began with Kaitlyn Reimer, the founder of Katie Cares, who started giving stuffed animals to children in hospital so they would feel comforted and supported during difficult moments.

Since then, the program has grown tremendously throughout the Southern Health Region. Medical staff consistently report that these furry friends make a world of difference—tears are wiped away, smiles appear, and children often become more relaxed and cooperative. Many parents share that receiving a Beanie Baby helps lower stress for their child and brings comfort to the entire family.

If you are looking for a meaningful project to support, please consider the Beanie Baby Program in your upcoming giving. In 2025 alone, we have gifted 3,650 Beanie Babies to children. A hospital or clinic visit can leave a lasting impression, and this small gesture helps create a positive, reassuring memory for young patients.

If you would like to donate funds or learn more about the program and its impact, please speak with our staff, who would be happy to assist you. Tax receipts are available for the full amount of your donation.

How to Donate Beanie Babies:

We gratefully accept Beanie Babies that are in excellent, new condition. This includes collector’s items, provided they have never been played with and are clean, well-kept, and suitable for young patients. Each donated Beanie Baby becomes a comfort item for a child during a hospital or clinic visit, helping bring reassurance during moments that can feel overwhelming.

Monetary Donations
Financial contributions are also deeply appreciated and help us purchase additional Beanie Babies and support the program year-round. Monetary donations can be made in several convenient ways:

  • Online through our website

  • In person by cheque, cash, Visa, or Mastercard

Every donation—whether a Beanie Baby or a financial gift—directly supports children who may be feeling anxious, scared, or uncertain. Your generosity helps us continue Kaitlyn’s vision of offering comfort, compassion, and a moment of joy when it’s needed most.

See it…Believe it…Achieve it…

Slipper Program

At Katie’s Cottage, every overnight and day guest is welcome to take a cozy pair of slippers to wear during their stay—and to take home afterward. These slippers are lovingly crocheted or knitted by talented makers from Southern Manitoba, and they add a special touch of warmth and comfort. It’s one of the many ways Katie Cares is dedicated to making the Cottage truly feel like a home away from home.

How to Donate Handmade Slippers

If you are a crochet or knitting artist and would like to support this program, we gratefully accept adult-sized slippers in a variety of sizes. Each pair you create brings comfort to a guest during what can often be a stressful or emotional time.

We also welcome donations of yarn in excellent condition. If you have unused balls of yarn you’re not planning to use, they can be put to meaningful use through this volunteer program.

Monetary Donations

Financial contributions are also appreciated and help us purchase additional supplies needed to support the Slipper Program year-round. Monetary donations can be made in several convenient ways:
• Online through our website
• In person by cheque, cash, Visa, or Mastercard

Every donation—whether handmade slippers, yarn, or a financial gift—directly supports guests who may be feeling anxious, tired, or overwhelmed. Your generosity helps us continue Kaitlyn’s vision of offering comfort, care, and a heartfelt touch when it’s needed most.

Breakfast Program

At Katie's Cottage, we believe that a comforting breakfast can help set the tone for a peaceful and positive day. Many of our guests are facing challenging moments in their lives, and a warm meal in the morning can provide not only nourishment, but also a sense of normalcy, comfort, and care. That’s why we are pleased to offer a continental breakfast each morning for our overnight guests.

Our breakfast menu features a variety of options designed to suit different tastes and preferences while providing a welcoming start to the day. Guests can enjoy:

  • Freshly prepared eggs — choose from scrambled, sunny-side-up, or over-easy

  • Homemade toast, baked with care for that warm, home-style touch

  • Crispy hashbrowns and savory bacon

  • A selection of cereals

  • Creamy yogurt and fresh fruit

  • Assorted muffins, baked to bring a little sweetness to your morning

  • Hot coffee and tea, always ready to pour

  • Refreshing fruit juices

Whether you prefer a hearty breakfast to begin a busy day or something light and simple, our selection is designed to help guests feel cared for — just like home. Sharing a meal in the kitchen or dining area also provides a quiet opportunity for guests to relax, reflect, and connect before beginning their day.

A portion of monetary donations goes directly toward supporting our breakfast program.
If you would like to contribute, donations can be made online or in person at Katie’s Cottage. Your generosity helps us continue providing warm, nourishing meals to our guests.

We’re grateful to support your stay and hope your morning at Katie’s Cottage brings you comfort, nourishment, and a moment of calm.

 

  • To Go Breakfast

    For guests with early departures we offer breakfast on the go! Each bag may contain quiche, a muffin, fruit, granola bar, yogurt, and a hot beverage of choice.

  • Continental Breakfast

    is served to guests who have stayed the night at Katie’s Cottage. The breakfast menu is cereal, boiled eggs, toast, yogurt, fruit, muffins, coffee, tea, and fruit juice.

For ALL families who have a loved one at Boundary Trails or a local medical facility, we are offering an invitation to join us during the day. Feel free to walk in for breakfast, coffee, or even just a place to relax while your loved one is being cared for.

SEE IT…BELIEVE IT…ACHIEVE IT….