Sometimes a seemingly small action can create a ripple effect, turning into a tidal wave of persistent impact beyond that initial moment. An amazing example of this are the efforts of Hospitals of Regina Foundation’s Community Member and Pediatric Ambassador, 15-year-old Catherine Okolita.

At five years of age, Catherine and her mom made a trip to the park, like they had done many times before. This time they realized the park had become increasingly littered, and Catherine’s mom decided they would not be going back until someone cleaned it up. This is when five-year-old Catherine thought to herself, “I’m someone! I can clean that park up for everyone.” After recruiting a few willing friends and cleaning the park of litter, Catherine recognized the impact she could have on our community and created Catherine’s Cause to promote her charitable work.

“I realized that the “someone” who could make a difference could be me, so I made up my mind to help and give back”, Catherine explains. “It was around this same time that I heard the Z99 Radiothon in support of the Regina NICU on the radio, and I told my parents I too wanted to help those babies however I could.”

Starting in 2013 and for the first three years of her fundraising efforts, Catherine made keychains which she sold for $10 each, with all profits going towards our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the Rawlco Centre for Mother Baby Care, at the Regina General Hospital. In 2017, Catherine took her efforts a step further and launched the Catherine’s Cause Facebook auction, which recently concluded its seventh on-line auction in 2024.

“I was absolutely amazed by the support from my friends, family, and the community when we started Catherine’s Cause”, Catherine explains. “I think it’s important to spread kindness and in turn make the world a better place. Helping each other and giving back encourages people to be their best selves. Even a small donation, or giving a small amount of personal time, adds up to create that ripple effect of kindness and love.”

Over the last nine years of Catherine’s Cause supporting Hospitals of Regina Foundation and the Z99 Radiothon, Catherine has raised more than $342,000 for our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Thanks to this incredible contribution, countless babies have received the life-saving care they needed, right here at home.

“We are grateful for the support Catherine has shown the Foundation and our NICU,” says Dino Sophocleous, president & CEO, Hospitals of Regina Foundation. “We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and hardworking community member and pediatric ambassador who leads by example.”