The quilts pictured will be sent to first responders and victims affected by the Nova Scotia shooting rampage. (Submitted photo/Kurtis Hamel)

By Teena Monteleone

bringing light

Local quilters give comfort to Nova Scotia shooting victims

Jun 14, 2020 | 8:00 AM

In a world that seems to be overshadowed by so much darkness lately, a group of local quilters wanted to be a light.

Kurtis Hamel and other members of the Prince Albert Quilt Guild came together to create a series of hand-crafted blankets made specifically for those affected by the Nova Scotia shooting rampage last April.

“I think there’s a long tradition of quilting being a symbol of warmth and sharing that warmth and I think its just symbolic of something people can take comfort in,” Hamel said.

The Prince Albert Quilt Guild has a long history of donating the patchwork blankets to community groups including care homes, women’s shelters and senior’s centres. Hamel said when the Humboldt Broncos bus crash happened, there was a call for donations and the 25 or so members from the local club heeded the call then.

“The Modern Quilt Guild in Nova Scotia put out a request similar to what Humboldt had done,” said Hamel. “So, its just a tradition with the guild when tragedy hits, we try to band together and provide something for people to have.”

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One of seven quilts being donated to those affected by the Nova Scotia shooting rampage. (Submitted photo/Kurtis Hamel)

Hamel, who started quilting about five years ago as a hobby to pass the winter months, said it can take weeks or even years to complete a quilt, depending on how detailed it is. Members of the local group donated seven quilts to the first responders, survivors, and families of the shooting victims.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Prince Albert Quilt Guild hasn’t been able to gather like they normally do several times a month for meetings and demonstrations. Usually, they dedicate one Saturday a month to bonding with other quilters while working on projects together in a common space.

Hamel said it’s a great hobby and invited anyone interested to attend one of their gatherings, once things return to normal.

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teena.monteleone@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TeenaMonteleone