Because You Care Gift Catalogue, presented by Colbourne Auto, launches in loving memory of Cory Keeping

The Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, and partner Colbourne Auto, are proud to launch the sixth annual Because You Care Gift Catalogue, in memory of Cory Keeping (1971-2022).

Since the initial launch in 2018, the Catalogue has helped to raise more than $230,000 for more than 19 areas of care within the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. The Catalogue offers holiday, anniversary, and special occasion gift-giving opportunities, with an added impact of supporting health care in Cape Breton. After purchasing a gift from the Catalogue, a card is sent to the person the gift is made in honour of, and the gift will be given to a patient in need or area of care selected at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

“It’s truly hard to put into words what it means to have the Because You Care Catalogue published in Cory’s honour,” says his wife Nichole Keeping. “Cory has helped so many people in our community and had no idea what an impact he made on others. I know the Catalogue makes a difference in the lives of many, which is exactly what Cory would have wanted. It was part of his humble nature.”

In December 2022, Cory’s family announced his passing at age 51, after several months of battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

“The stress that a disease like cancer puts on a family is so overwhelming,” shares Nichole. “Having treatment at home gave us more time to spend with each other and focus on what’s important. Everyone went above and beyond to assist us in our journey and to help ease the burden of such an impact. For this, our family will be forever grateful.”

Since his father’s diagnosis, Cory’s 12-year-old son Breton has been hosting fundraisers in support of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.

“Fundraising gave Breton an opportunity to contribute and feel like he was helping not only his dad, but other families going through the same thing,” says Nichole. “It really gave him a sense of empowerment and togetherness during a very difficult time. I know Breton feels close to his dad when he can give back, and that Cory’s heart is full watching Breton from afar.”

“It is our absolute honour to publish this year’s Because You Care Gift Catalogue in memory of Cory, who has left a legacy of uplifting others,” 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 be directly supporting patients, right here at home.”

In 2021, Colbourne Auto committed $100,000 to the Because You Care Catalogue over five years.

“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 2023-2024 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 within the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. 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 Wednesday, November 22 and will be available at local businesses, including Colbourne Chysler, Colbourne Ford and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation’s office. Gifts can also be made online now at www.cbgivewhereyoulive.ca.