Huron Hospice will hold its annual Butterfly Release this Sunday, offering families and friends a special way to remember loved ones. The event begins at 2 p.m. at the hospice grounds.
Manager of Development and Communications, Christopher Walker explains the event.
During a short ceremony, the butterflies are released together, creating an emotional and meaningful tribute. While butterfly sales closed on Friday, those who already purchased them will take part in Sunday’s release.
This year, 75 painted lady butterflies will be released. In the past, the event used monarchs, but because monarchs are now endangered, painted ladies are used instead. They look and behave much the same, quickly flying to flowers and milkweed after release.
The Butterfly Release has become an important tradition at Huron Hospice. It brings comfort to those grieving and is also a learning moment for children, who enjoy being part of the ceremony.
Walker says the event is made possible through a Canada Summer Jobs grant, which allows a student to take the lead in planning and running the release each year. Proceeds support Huron Hospice, which must raise about $700,000 annually to cover half of its operating costs not provided by the province.
Written by: K. Milhomens
