ALMONTE – The Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) has a new addition to its ambulances.

The LCPS recently received a gift of approximately 100 handmade, child-sized quilts.  The angels behind this very generous donation are members of the Almonte Quilters Guild.

The Almonte Quilters Guild formed in September 2004 and welcome both beginner quilters and experts alike.  The guild currently has 79 members and are known as the friendliest quilt guild around.  They meet the third Monday of every month from September to June, except for December.

The guild’s charity coordinator Lisa Compton explains these donated quilts were coined the I Spy project and were completed as part of the guild’s 15^th anniversary celebration. Each quilt has colourful, playful patterns to keep the eyes entertained.

“You would be hard pressed to choose a favourite as each quilt is more special than the last, with unique blocks, borders and backing,” Compton said. “Each quilt takes about 20 hours to create.”

Compton is a first responder herself; a military nurse with six tours in Afghanistan. She has also worked at Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital. Compton is no stranger to the challenges faced in emergency medicine and hopes these quilts will keep the littlest patients warm and busily distracted from the crisis they may be experiencing.

“We are beyond grateful to be the recipients of these beautiful quilts and will graciously distribute them to our young patients,” LCPS Chief Ed McPherson said. “We are sure these quilts will provide joy and comfort, as they were created with an abundance of tender loving care.”