Hundreds of butterflies were set free Sunday at Science North, a symbol of transformation, as well as a way of raising money for Maison Vale Hospice.
The hospice, which provides end-of-life care for terminally ill residents, raised about $30,000 through the sale of the butterflies, which people purchased and set free Sunday.
Sudbury Hospice Foundation chair Gerry Lougheed Jr. said it was an exciting time for the hospice, which expects to add another 10 beds in the coming months.
The butterfly metaphor, he said, has different meanings in different cultures. "It is a symbol of the journey from womb to tomb," Lougheed said. "And today, we gather to celebrate the gift of memory."
He bought two butterflies in honour of his late parents. "Not only did they give me life, but they gave me light and they gave me love," he said.
Each year, the hospice has to raise $1 million to balance its budget, and support for events such as the butterfly release helps them reach that goal. He evoked the famous phrase used by Mohammed Ali, who passed away this spring.
"His great statement was in his obituary — 'float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,'” Lougheed said. “Today, I hope this butterfly release helps heal the sting of death for all of us. As those butterflies float, we'll celebrate the gift of memory in a spirit of caring and sharing for our hospice."
Hospice executive director Léo Therrien thanked the crowd for their continued support.
"This is the fifth year that we do the butterfly release, and this is the perfect spot, here at Science North," Therrien said. "It's thanks to people like you that we can offer the great care that we do at the hospice."
Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre read a traditional Aboriginal poem about butterflies, which speaks about how the way to get a wish granted is to whisper it to a butterfly and then set it free. He said Sunday's event is a reminder of how the view of end-of-life care is changing in Canada.
"There is no doubt that palliative care is something that is very much talked about in Ottawa these days," Lefebvre said. "People are envious of what we have here. We have such a beautiful facility, with such a great team and a great board of directors."
Sophie Gingras of the Desjardins Business Centre, which sponsored the 2016 edition of the event, said staff are dedicated to helping the important cause.
"Over the last two weeks, we have been working really hard to promote the event in all 12 of our branches, and sell butterflies, as well," Gingras said. "This is a wonderful event, not only to raise money for the Hospice, but to remember loved ones who have passed.
"Over the last few weeks, we have sold 113 butterflies in our branches. On top of that, I'm happy to present a cheque today for $3,000 to the Sudbury Maison Vale Hospice."
