Yellowknife (Mar 03/04) - One room of the otherwise institutional white RCMP headquarters in Yellowknife was brimming with colour Feb. 25, thanks to a generous donation by the Yellowknife Quilters Guild.

The guild, which has more than 100 members, recently donated 100 quillows (a quilt that can be tucked up into a pillow) to the RCMP and the Yellowknife Fire Station.

The police and firefighters will give the quillows -- which come in a wide range of colours and sizes -- to victims of crime, fire and other unfortunate occurrences.

"We're so appreciative of the guild's generous donation," said RCMP Const. Kerri Riehl.

"The quillows will be very well received."

Victims of crime often feel shaken and alone said Riehl, adding that she hopes the quillows will help bring them some comfort.

Guild members wanted to make the donation without much fanfare, but Riehl said their generosity shouldn't go unnoticed.

"They don't want a lot of publicity, but it was such a nice gesture," she said.

Marilyn Moran, president of the YK Quilters Guild, was happy her group could help people in need.

"It's nice to know someone will appreciate the quillows," she said.

"If they offer a little bit of comfort, then we'll be happy."

Every year the guild donates their quilting skills to a charitable or social organization. Last year they created a banner for "Run for a Cure" but this year they decided to do something a little different.

"It was good because our less experienced members could get involved with the quillows," said Moran.

"They're not very hard to make and they don't take days and days to finish."

The cost of the quillows --about $1,000 -- was split evenly between the guild and it's members.

"Everyone was happy to do it," said Moran. "The response from our members was great."