The Near North Palliative Care Network's premier fundraiser will be delivered a little differently this year but organizers believe the experience will be just as profound for families honouring their loved ones.
The Near North Palliative Care Network's 11th Butterfly Release Event will take place July 11 at noon — virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic precautions. Staff members will release the butterflies from St. Joseph's Motherhouse on behalf of the donors.
See related story: Butterfly release uplifting experience for hundreds of people
The volunteer-based charitable organization serves as a visiting hospice offering palliative care and grief support services free of cost in communities across the Nipissing and East Parry Sound districts. Fundraising also goes toward programs for seniors in the area.
"When you ask most people in their last days or months where they want to be, most everybody says they want to be at home. Sometimes that is not possible, but we want to make sure they have that caring hand whenever, wherever they need it," Darren Renaud, chair of the board for the Near North Palliative Care Network told BayToday.
At the Butterfly Release, in a typical year, those who have lost someone close to them reserve butterflies in their loved ones' memories. Then at the event, they all release their butterflies all at once.
"It is a moving experience," says staff member Olivia Todd. "Because of COVID-19, we will be hosting the event virtually, live-streaming the event on our Facebook page. As a result, participants will not be able to reserve their one butterflies and take part in person."
Despite the change in format, the Near North Palliative Care Network's is still seeking donations from the public, in any amount. Organizers also realize the toll the pandemic has taken on local businesses and will make the event an opportunity to give back.
"We will be carrying out an advertising campaign online that will include all our sponsors. We appreciate the support our sponsors have given us over the years and are grateful for any donations made this year," says Todd.
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Near North Palliative Care Network volunteers travel far and wide to deliver services, including to Hagar, Warren, past Mattawa to Deux Rivieres, south past Almaquin and way up the north highway to the Marten River area.
"We’ve got satellite teams in Mattawa and Almaquin as well as West Nipissing," said Renaud. "They have their team meetings and they work and organize in their community and visit palliative patients in their areas. Then we coordinate monthly with our local office."
Palliative patients are seen in their homes, in long-term care facilities, and hospitals. Renaud explained, "Our volunteers go to where the palliative patient is, that is the nature of a visiting hospice."
