Katie’s Cottage, the vital “home away from home” located across from Boundary Trails Health Centre in Winkler, is rolling out heartwarming updates designed to make stays even more comfortable for families and caregivers facing challenging times. These enhancements, driven directly by guest feedback and generous community support, underscore the cottage’s mission to provide a peaceful refuge.
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The key takeaways? Guests now have a dedicated, cozy lounge space outside their rooms, and all guest rooms have received shiny new TVs. These changes aim to boost comfort, convenience, and a sense of community during difficult hospital journeys.
What is Katie’s Cottage?
For those new to it, Katie’s Cottage is a sanctuary created by the Katie Cares Foundation, inspired by Kaitlyn “Katie” Reimer’s vision. It offers families and caregivers of patients at Boundary Trails Health Centre a place to stay overnight or find daytime respite. It provides comfortable guest rooms, shared kitchen and lounge areas, fostering a supportive and peaceful atmosphere during stressful periods.
The welcoming exterior of Katie's Cottage
Guest Comfort Takes Center Stage
Listening to the needs of those they serve is paramount at Katie’s Cottage. That’s why recent changes were initiated – because guests asked for them.
The Brand New Lounge Space
A long-held dream for the foundation has become a reality with the transformation of a former room into a dedicated guest lounge. Ruth Reimer, who oversees the Katie Cares Foundation, explained that during winter months, when parts of the cottage were closed off after hours, guests often felt confined to their rooms.
The new lounge changes that completely. It offers a distinct space for guests to relax, visit with each other, or simply unwind away from their temporary bedroom. The room is thoughtfully equipped with games, comfortable yet supportive furniture ideal for guests with mobility needs, and a beautiful quilt donated by local hands, reflecting the warmth of the community. A large-screen TV was also added, providing entertainment or a distraction. This entire project was made possible through incredible support from the Morden Thrift Store.
“We always listen to our guests and try to provide the best care we can in their time of need,” says Ruth Reimer.
Ruth Reimer sits comfortably in the newly renovated guest lounge at Katie's Cottage
Tech Boost: TVs in Every Room
The comfort upgrades didn’t stop with the lounge. Thanks to the Cardinal Foundation in Winnipeg, every single guest room at Katie’s Cottage now features a brand new 42-inch television. These TVs were purchased locally, reinforcing Katie Cares’ commitment to supporting local businesses while enhancing the personal space of each guest. Having a TV in the room offers guests privacy and a way to relax or stay informed during their stay.
A section of the new guest lounge showing comfortable seating and a large screen TV
A Home Built on Community and Legacy
Despite being eight years old, Katie’s Cottage is remarkably well-maintained. Passing its recent fire inspection “with flying colours” is a testament to the ongoing care and attention it receives. This dedication includes everything from necessary equipment replacements to serving a fresh continental breakfast featuring local jam and honey – small touches that make a big difference.
Ruth Reimer, who oversees the Katie Cares Foundation
The cottage’s operation relies heavily on the community support highlighted by the Morden Thrift Store and Cardinal Foundation contributions. This spirit of generosity mirrors the founding vision. Ruth Reimer shared emotionally how amazed and pleased her daughter Katie would be to see what the cottage has become – a peaceful refuge born from an idea scribbled on a napkin during her own difficult health journey.
Guests often share how impactful their stay is. As Ruth recounts, “I heard several guests say this morning, ‘I’m in a stressful situation… but I had such a good sleep, enjoyed my breakfast, the sun is shining, and it’s peaceful here. It’s just what I need.'”
A bright interior view of the shared kitchen or dining area at Katie's Cottage
The Growing Need and How You Can Help
Guest usage continues to grow, with months like January through March seeing multiple weeks at full capacity. The cottage supports not just local families but also those who travel internationally to be near loved ones at Boundary Trails Health Centre.
To keep providing this vital service and maintain the welcoming environment, Katie’s Cottage needs ongoing support. Ruth Reimer mentions they are currently seeking volunteers for both indoor tasks (like helping with breakfast or cleaning) and outdoor work (such as gardening or lawn care) as summer approaches.
Financial donations are also always welcome and managed with careful consideration to ensure the cottage can address unexpected maintenance or needs. Supporting Katie’s Cottage directly impacts families navigating health crises, offering them comfort and peace when they need it most.
These latest updates, fueled by listening to guests and powered by community generosity, ensure Katie’s Cottage remains a true home away from home.
To learn more about Katie’s Cottage or how you can support their work, please visit their website here.
