Sask. quilters collect blankets for Fort McMurray fire evacuees

A woman from Maidstone, Sask.is joining forces with quilters from around the world to make and collect quilts for Fort McMurray evacuees.

"When you give a quilt, it's a hug and so we're just sending out hugs in the form of quilts to all those who have lost," said Sandra Fisher, Saskatchewan coordinator for the blanket drive.

Maidstone isabout 220 kilometres northwest ofSaskatoon.

"We have family members that live in Fort McMurray that have lost. We have friends that have worked up there so, you know, Fort McMurray is close to our heart."

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She said each utilitarian quilt is handmade and will vary in size from small ones that can be used as pet beds, to queen-sizeones.

"Each quilt is a work of art. There's a lot of time spent putting them together," Fisher explained.

So far, the group has been able to send a few batches to Alberta distributions centres for Fort McMurray evacuees.

Fisher said more are scheduled to come in from the U.S. and the U.K.

"These are coming in from all over," she added. "Quilters are an amazing community because we do step in and help out any way that we can."

For information about how to get involved, click here.