A group of quilters in Fairmont is reaching out half way around the world to help lend comfort to a nation devastated by wildfires.

The Prairie Star Quilt Guild last week sent 48 quilt blocks to the Wollongong Modern Quilt Guild in the Australian province of New South Wales.

The Australian guild wrote in an early January post on Facebook: “Families have lost loved ones, others their homes and all their belongings. Farmers have lost livestock, others their livelihood, not to mention the extensive loss and damage to our native flora and fauna.”

The guild decided to help in the way it knew best, by making quilts for those affected. It upped the ante by asking for help from anyone and everyone.

Debbie Wallace of the Prairie Star Quilt Guild in Fairmont heard the call. She approached the local quilters group in January and received a welcome response. Guild members headed home after their gathering and got to work.

The blocks they made carry a tree theme, per the request of the Australian guild.

“The tree is a symbol of growth and nourishment,” it posted on Facebook. “A tree symbolizes the generations of a family; a tree sprouts from a seed, the roots provide strength and stability, and whilst the new sapling is young and vulnerable they are protected by the other trees until they grow and flourish. In time, the branches spread and then create new fruit that gives life to the next generation.”

“So we’ve got all sorts of trees depicted and represented,” Wallace noted.

The blocks sent by the Prairie Star group will be transformed into quilts in Australia. It is easier to handle and ship just the blocks rather than trying to send entire quilts overseas.

Prairie Star Quilt Guild president Carolyn Seidel noted that the group participates in an annual service project, but the effort for Australia is in addition.

“Everybody wanted to pitch in,” she said of the 50 guild members.

“It’s just really nice to be able to reach out to people who have suffered such a devastation and be able to help out in some way,” Wallace said.

The Prairie Star Quilt Guild dates back to January 1983, when it was organized by about 20 women. Their goals were to preserve and continue the art of quilt-making and related fiber arts.

The group meets the second Monday of each month, with members having the choice of a daytime meeting at 1:30 p.m. or an evening meeting at 5:30 p.m. Gatherings are held at Fairmont Covenant Church, 901 Woodland Ave.

In addition to monthly meetings, the guild sends out a newsletter, holds all-day workshops, hosts guest speakers, offers trunk shows and takes bus trips.

Members span from across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, with many ages and skills represented. Visitors and prospective new members are always welcome at meetings.

For more information about the guild, those interested may contact Carolyn Seidel at (507) 235-6532.