Positive vibes for Butterfly Effect
Fundraiser all about honouring and remembering the people who have touched our lives
The sky above Kelowna’s Falcon Ridge Farm was filled with colour Sunday morning, as over 650 Painted Lady butterflies were released simultaneously as part of the Central Okanagan Hospice Association’s fifth annual Butterfly Effect fundraiser.
Over the years, the event has grown to include children’s activities, local artisans, a barbecue and live entertainment.
“The Butterfly Effect brings people together to honour and remember the people who have touched our lives,” said Natasha Girard, executive director for the Central Okanagan Hospice Association.
For those who had lost somebody significant in their lives, releasing a butterfly is a way to cope with their grief.
Sisters Sachelle and Kasia Wotherspoon were at the event for their sister who died 10 years ago.
“It just feels good to release a butterfly to honour her memory,” said Sachelle, who has returned to the event for a second year.
Deborah Campbell came again this year for her brother and her father, bringing along her sister Lorie Clark and her mother, Claire Tandberg from Winnipeg. “It’s a good memory,” she said. Although she hasn’t used hospice’s services, Campbell said it’s a good cause and she’ll be back next year.
Releasing the butterfly can represent the change from one life to another, just as a caterpillar becomes a butterfly.
For others, the butterfly release is a symbol of hope and freedom.
For some, the butterflies carry a message of love to those who have passed.
Kim and Jeffery Sutton of FlutterBuys brought the butterflies from their farm in Langley where they were raised Sunday morning.
The Painted Lady butterflies were delivered to the event by Kim and Jeffery Sutton of FlutterBuys, who raised the butterflies on their farm in Langley.
Native to B.C. and considered hardy, the butterflies were packed in small boxes in coolers to slow their metabolism and keep them calm during transit.
Once the butterflies warm up and become accustomed to the light they fly away.
As well, 150 butterflies were released in honour of Canada 150.
The Butterfly Effect is the hospice association’s second largest fundraiser of the year behind Swinging with the Stars.
Money raised from the event supports programs offered by the Central Okanagan Hospice Association, which include bereavement support, vigil services, in-home support for people to remain in their homes as long as they can.
Joy Wallace has volunteered for the Central Okanagan Hospice Association for four years. Her work includes visiting and comforting people in Hospice House as well as sitting vigil for people alone in the last stage of their lives in both Hospice House and local care homes, all free services available to those who need them.
“I feel it’s rewarding, something that I find valuable in my life and I think it helps people in a difficult time in their life,” she said.
Five-year-old twins Payton and Jeevan Randhawa wore butterfly wings for the release.