The children from God's Little Artists put their creativity to work to bless Katie Cares.

Jennifer Krahn explains the Christian-based educational arts program often seeks to connect with the community.

"These (children) are the future of the Pembina Valley area, and I wanted them to give a piece of their work, their art, back to the community," she says.

Krahn says kids not only need to know the reality of life and death but also their capacity to bring others hope and joy.

"I think kids need to be exposed to the reality of life, it's hard, kids get sick, and we need to be a blessing back to them," she says.

To do that, the students donated pieces of artwork to the respite home Katie's Cottage and learned of young Kaitlyn Reimer's journey. Reimer founded the charity, Katie Cares before passing away and left a vision for the respite home that now stands across from the Boundary Trails Health Centre between Morden and Winkler.

"For them to come here and give something so personal is amazing," Katie Cares' and Kaitlyn's mother Ruth Reimer says.

She notes the artwork will hang in the bedrooms of the respite home.

"To see a child's painting on the wall will be such a peaceful thing in this place," Reimer says.

The artwork will join original pieces by Kaitlyn herself.

"What an amazing future we have when they are already giving of themselves," she says.

Ruth Reimer reads 'The Giving Tree', Kaitlyn's favourite book. "That's what Katie's Cottage is about... giving, and not asking for anything in return because we know it helps someone."

Reimer says it was an emotional experience to see the next generation learn about Kaitlyn and her heart for the community, "to know she was a real person... she was a part of our community, and still is a part of our community."