A creative community initiative is raising funds and awareness for CancerCare Manitoba while honouring the memory of a much-loved coach and volunteer.
BEE CHARMED, launched by Jill Demianiw in memory of her brother Wes Killbery, has already raised $2,816 through a charm-making stand in Stonewall. The fundraiser gives children and families the chance to create bee- and honeycomb-themed necklaces or bracelets, with proceeds supporting CancerCare.
“I was inspired to start BEE CHARMED in memory of my brother Wes because I want to help others going through a hard journey and raise awareness,” Demianiw said. “Passing on kindness is the best thing we can teach kids.”
Killbery, who died on April 27, 2023, was a Teulon-born athlete, coach and community volunteer. Known for his dedication to youth sports, he spent decades coaching hockey and baseball, serving in leadership roles with minor hockey and baseball boards, and mentoring young referees. His love of sports and community service is carried on through his family’s fundraising efforts.
The project also carries a strong personal connection for Demianiw and her father, who built the wooden stand used for the fundraiser.
“Having my dad build the stand is really the most treasured part,” she said. “By doing this I know he felt closer to Wes. It’s been such a huge hit he has two orders to make more for others — perhaps this is his retirement calling.”
The bee itself is at the heart of the initiative. Killbery’s longtime nickname in school and sports was “Killerbee,” making the insect a lasting symbol of his life and legacy.
“Every day we are reminded he is watching over us by bee visits and signs,” Demianiw said. “With the importance of the bee, we can keep him with us.”
Visitors to the stand can select charms that hold personal meaning, then assemble them with Demianiw’s guidance. For those who prefer, the charms can be packaged in small beehive boxes to take home. She said seeing boys and girls, and even dads helping their children, has been a powerful reminder of her brother’s influence.
“I was touched by several dads in there helping their children, just exactly like Wes would have,” she said.
The outpouring of support has been overwhelming.
“We were not prepared for the love and kindness,” Demianiw said. “Raising over $2,816 in 24 hours was truly appreciative. It would be wild to be able to present CancerCare Manitoba with $5,000 from our little stand.”
The next BEE CHARMED pop-up will be held Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Schwabe Pumpkin Farm, 1160 Meadowdale Rd. in St. Andrews. Demianiw said she is grateful to Melody and George Schwabe for hosting the event, noting the family are “wonderful people going through a tough cancer journey” themselves.
Through BEE CHARMED, Demianiw hopes to continue passing on the values Killbery lived by: kindness, community and supporting others through life’s hardest battles.
