The Mennonite Central Committee Canada (MCC) recently shipped out a batch of 1,278 blankets.

Material from all over Canada is collected at Plum Coulee's central warehouse. From there, shipments are made whenever there is enough stock of resources like comforters, hygiene kits, and canned meat. They are delivered to countries where MCC provides relief.

Gord Letkeman, Canadian Material Resources Warehouse Manager, said a shipment went out last month and he predicts another will be ready by May.

Letkeman said he enjoys seeing a 40ft container be filled with all of the goods collected.

"Our shipment will be going out to Bosnia tomorrow, it's going to help out... in the soup kitchens and home care for the people," said Letkeman.

This shipment of comforters, hygiene kits, relief kits, infant care kits, soap, soup mix, and dried apples are headed to Bosnia and Herzegovina

The area is still recovering from a 4-year war which devastated the country. Unemployment, low wages, and refugees crossing through from other countries are just some of the issues in the area.

"We are in constant touch with the MCC reps in the different countries," said Letkeman, noting they will receive a list of needed supplies and work to fill that list.

As for the blankets, he said they're always looking for more.

"It just brings hope to them, because they know that it's... handmade over here by people who don't know them and yet they are making these blankets for those people who need them."

Letkeman said people interested in making blankets can simply contact him or join the volunteer group that meets every Tuesday morning at the MCC office in Plum Coulee.

More information on relief kits can be found online.

People who would like to learn how to make the blankets for MCC relief efforts can contact Letkeman at (204) 829-3005

A container is filled with relief supplies. The items are stored at the warehouse in Plum Coulee