Silent and beautiful, butterflies loom large in First Nations tradition as trusted holders of wishes.
Sunday evening at Science North, about 600 were released by the living in honour and remembrance of people who have passed away.
Held in support of the McCulloch Hospice, the butterfly release raised almost $30,000, an increase of about $12,000 from 2016. Families and individuals buy them for $30 each in memory of a loved one who has passed, and all are released together.
The money will support the hospice's $5.1 million capital campaign. Now in its second year, the campaign aims to fund an expansion of the facility to allow more people to spend their final days there, surrounded by their families and support staff.
"These butterflies represent remembrance," said Gerry Lougheed Jr., chair of the hospice foundation. "The most important thing is to always tell your family you love them. Today, these butterflies speak to that love."
The campaign aims to "build 10 more beds, 16,000 more square feet of expansion on our existing building," he said, describing the hospice as "the gold standard of hospice care, not only in Northern Ontario, but likely in Canada and North America.
"Today I'm pleased to tell you we're already over $2.1 million, and we haven't even completed the first year."
He also praised executive director Léo Therrien, someone he said is a friend to all at the hospice.
"Leo and his team are friends who support us in an unfriendly time," Lougheed said.
Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger, who referenced recent health challenges in his own family, said the hospice has become a vital part of the community.
"The dedication of staff, the caring, quality of the hospice is something that I'm sure many ... are thankful for," Bigger said. "I think this event is an awesome way to connect and have memory ... I'm really just here to welcome all of you, and thank the hospice for being in the community."
Before the names of everyone being honoured were read aloud, Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault described the butterfly tradition in First Nations. The legend goes that if you want a wish to come true, capture a butterfly and whisper the wish.
"Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly cannot reveal the wish to anyone but the great spirit whose ... sees all," Thibeault said.
Butterflies then carry the wishes to the heavens, where they are granted.
For more information on the hospice and its capital campaign, go here.
