Because You Care GIFT Catalogue Launches in Memory of Molly Elizabeth Wadden

The Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, and partner Colbourne Auto, are proud to launch the fifth annual Because You Care Gift Catalogue, in memory of Molly Elizabeth Wadden (2010-2022).

Since the initial launch in 2018, the Catalogue has helped to raise nearly $200,000 for more than 19 areas of care within the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Donors can purchase a gift from the catalogue and have a card sent to the person they’ve made the gift in honour of, and the gift will be given to a patient at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

“What an incredible way to support Molly’s legacy, which is to make a difference,” say Molly’s parents, Nadine and Jeff Wadden. “Imagine how many smiles that one gift can prompt – the thoughtful gift giver, the appreciative gift receiver, and all the patients and families the Foundation supports. It’s just incredible!”

Molly Wadden was just nine years old when she was diagnosed with Ewin Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer. While undergoing treatment and travelling frequently to Halifax, Molly received financial support from the Foundation for travel, accommodations and meals. Molly was also the first to receive a gift of ‘comfort,’ which is featured in the Catalogue and gifts a locally crafted superhero quilt to sick children.

During her last days, Molly was overcome with the need to make a positive difference in the world, especially for children, like her, battling critical illness. Thus, Molly’s Mission was born: An initiative that has now raised more than $35,000 for causes near to Molly’s heart, such as Caleb’s Courage and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.

“It is our absolute honour to publish this year’s Because You Care Gift Catalogue in memory of Molly,” says Caitlyn MacDonald, the Foundation’s manager of philanthropy. “And, with the support of our partner Colbourne Auto, we are so pleased to say that 100 percent of the proceeds from the Catalogue will directly help patients, right here at home.”

In 2021, Colbourne Auto committed $100,000 to the Because You Care Catalogue over five years. In addition to this commitment, Colbourne Auto will be matching the first $10,000 in gifts made to the 2022-2023 Catalogue.

“We are humbled to give back to our community and health care in Cape Breton by partnering with the Foundation, once again, to launch the Because You Care Catalogue,” says Brad Jacobs, General Manager of Colbourne Auto. “We want to support the community that supports us, and to help rally around such an important cause.”

The 2022-2023 Because You Care Gift Catalogue will focus on gifts for patients and health care needs within the areas of cancer care, cardiac care, emergency care services, Caleb’s Courage, and renal dialysis. More than 30 unique gift-giving opportunities are available, including items like bus passes for those having to travel daily for dialysis appointments; clothing and toiletries for those needing emergency care; complementary therapy programs for those facing cancer, and much more.

Catalogues will be distributed within the Cape Breton Post on Saturday, November 26, and will be available at local businesses, including Colbourne Chrysler, Colbourne Ford and the CBRH Foundation’s office. Gifts can also be made online at www.cbgivewhereyoulive.ca.