Today is the last day to purchase a butterfly in memory of a loved one for the annual Memorial Butterfly Release held by Bereaved Families at Fairy Lake Park Saturday, Sept. 15.
About 250 beautiful monarch butterflies will be released, Christine Goguen, executive director of Bereaved Families Ontario-York Region, said.
“We use it as a way to help people honour loved ones who have passed,” Goguen said of the 11th annual event, which was initially organized to raise funds for Bereaved Families by a family whose child had died.
Registration is at 9 a.m., with the ceremony getting underway at 10 a.m. at the gazebo in Fairy Lake Park.
Families — often multiple generations — and friends attend the event, many returning annually, she added.
“People find their own meaning in the butterflies,” she added. “I like to look at it as representing a transformation.”
The event allows individuals to express their sorrow for the loss of their loved ones, celebrate, and honour their memories.
A range of emotions are usually visible at the ceremony, Goguen said. For many, it is a joyful and inspiring event; for some, there is sadness; and for others in the early stages of grief and mourning, it’s an emotional occasion.
As well as the butterfly release, and the reading of the names of the loved ones for whom a butterfly has been purchased, the program includes inspiring speakers and musical performances.
Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor John Taylor, who regularly attends the event, will share a message of hope. (To view a video about the event, click here) Heart-Strings, featuring Newmarket violinist Susan Beth Barak, will perform with folk singer and songwriter Dickson Reid.
Event sponsor the Aurora Optimist Club will host a barbecue, with proceeds going to Bereaved Families.
When the butterflies are released, they don’t typically take flight as a group. Some may, indeed, take flight in the sky, while others land on the surrounding grass or trees, or alight on nearby hands.
A tip from the butterfly breeder is to bring orange slices if you are hoping to have a butterfly land on you.
All are welcome to the free event — whether you have purchased a butterfly or not — and donations to Bereaved Families are gratefully accepted.
To purchase a butterfly in honour of your loved by today’s extended deadline, click here.
Bereaved Families of Ontario-York Region provides bereavement support services by trained volunteers and staff to individuals and families grieving the death of a loved one. The non-profit organization offers programs and services at no cost. For more information, click here
