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July 22 event supports hospice, Warmhearts

The sun will shine down on Bell Park's William Bell Gazebo at 11:30 a.m. July 22 as hundreds of people release butterflies to the strains of the Northern Echoes choir singing Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World.
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Hundreds of butterflies will be released in memory of loved ones who have passed away at the Butterflies and Memories event July 22. The event will benefit Maison Vale Hospice and Warmhearts Palliative Caregivers Sudbury Manitoulin. From left are Leo Therrien, executive director of the hospice, event organizer Rosemary Toner and Mary Lou Hussak, executive director of Warmhearts. Photo by Heidi Ulrichsen.
The sun will shine down on Bell Park's William Bell Gazebo at 11:30 a.m. July 22 as hundreds of people release butterflies to the strains of the Northern Echoes choir singing Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World.

At least that's what Rosemary Toner sees in her mind as she imagines the upcoming Butterflies and Memories event in support of Maison Vale Hospice and Warmhearts Palliative Caregivers Sudbury-Manitoulin.

The Sudbury woman came up with the idea of having a butterfly release in support of palliative care services in the city after hearing about a similar event in North Bay last year. She pitched it to the hospice and Warmhearts, and they loved the idea.

Butterflies are often a symbol used by palliative care, as they represent the beauty of nature, transformation and new beginnings.

In addition to releasing the butterflies, Greater Sudbury's poet laureate, Daniel Aubin, will read a poem he's created for the occasion.

Toner, who retired last year, said planning the event, which is sponsored by Northern Life, has been a bit like having a full-time job again. But she doesn't mind.

“I think any event like this is a lot of work, but there's also been a lot of support and encouragement and interest,” she said. “It makes it worthwhile.”

People can purchase butterflies for $30 in memory of their loved ones, with the funds going to either the hospice or Warmhearts.

Because the butterflies must be ordered a few weeks in advance, the cutoff date for their purchase is July 6, Leo Therrien, the executive director of the hospice, said. Already, about 200 butterflies have been sold.

“It's the first joint fundraiser with Warmhearts and the hospice,” he said. “It's a great opportunity to show we can work together in Sudbury.”

Mary Lou Hussak, the executive director of Warmhearts, said she's proud to partner with the hospice. She said the event will be meaningful for all those who attend.

“I found a quote recently that said 'What the caterpillar thinks is the end of the world, the butterfly knows is just the beginning,'” she said.

“To many of us, a butterfly symbolizes hope – of something yet unseen, of brighter tomorrows. Butterflies are a symbol of something beautiful yet to come. And so we wait for them to flutter by, alight, and share their beauty with us, to touch our soul, to help remember those we have lost.”

To purchase a butterfly, phone Maison Vale Hospice at 705-674-9252, Warmhearts at 705-677-0077, Northern Life at 705-673-5667 or visit NorthernLife.ca.

Posted by Mark Gentili

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Heidi Ulrichsen

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