Members of the Altona Elks stopped by Katie's Cottage Tuesday evening to present a cheque that will end up providing 1000 kids in hospital with a bit of comfort.
"We donated $2000 to Katie Cares for their little Beanie Babies because we want to do something for the kids that are going to the hospital, whether it's the emerge or the clinic where they're getting a blood test," said Altona Elks member, Guy Mullen.
Mullen says a trip to the hospital can be traumatic, and a gift of a teddy bear can lessen some of that traumatic experience.
Ruth Reimer, with Katie Cares, says the teddy bear program is an important aspect of what they do. Passing on some comfort through the gift of a teddy bear was Kaitlyn Reimer's first project when she was in the hospital, added Ruth.
"She was able to give a little girl that was so badly beaten, she gave that gift to that child, and it has not been forgotten. This is something that is important to us, and I never want to stop giving that to the kids."
Mullen added the work of Katie Cares is amazing, and the Elks felt if they could help even a little bit, it would be wonderful.
The 1000 teddy bears purchased through the elks' donation will be sent to the Altona hospital.
Reimer says the teddy bear program keeps growing, with hospitals in Carman, Portage, Pilot Mound, La Salle, Altona, and Boundary Trails included in the program.