A group of volunteer women in rural Manitoba are helping families grieving the death of a newborn by creating "angel gowns" – tiny, delicate dresses crafted from donated wedding gowns that can be worn by the baby during the family’s final moments together.

The movement was started in the U.S. and has since grown worldwide. In Canada, there are a number of Facebook groups that accept donated wedding dresses and transform them into precious "angel gowns."

"People are so generous and they give us the most beautiful things. (It) breaks our hearts sometimes to cut into them," one volunteer told CTV News. "We do it because it’s a labour of love."

The group in Matlock, Man., has created approximately 70 angel gowns since July. It's a cause that is near to many of the volunteers' hearts.

"One lady said she's had seven pregnancies and has one little boy. That one just broke my heart," said volunteer Sharon Chittick.

The group has also crafted nearly 200 blankets and other items of clothing for stillborn babies in Winnipeg's hospitals. And their volunteer efforts also go beyond the Manitoba border. They’ve also quilted blankets for victims of the 2011 tsunami in Japan, and the flooding last summer in Alberta.

For their efforts, they have received cards and thank you notes from around the world.

"It's very nice to know that they appreciate it," said another volunteer.

With a report from CTV's  Jill Macyshon