Last chance to support palliative care fundraiser

July 6 is the final day to purchase a butterfly for the upcoming Butterflies and Memories fundraiser to support the Maison Vale Hospice and Warmhearts Palliative Caregivers Sudbury/Manitoulin.

This unique event will see people release live butterflies from the palms of their hands in memory of a loved one who has passed on. The butterflies can be purchased for a mere $30, and are available from Maison Vale Hospice (705-674-9252) and Warmhearts (705-677-0077), or they can be purchased at Northern Life's office at 158 Elgin Street.

Butterflies and Memories will be held at Bell Park's William Bell Gazebo at 11:30 a.m. July 22.

Sudbury resident Rosemary Toner 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, Toner told Northern Life.

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.”

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.”

Posted by Arron Pickard