Past Events
2023 Testimonials
Attending the Circle of Friends Butterfly Release was a wonderful experience. Watching people smile, shed a tear, connect, reflect, share memories of their loved ones and enjoy each other was special at the butterfly release event. The positive energy resonated encompassing the speeches, music and joy of community. Thank you to all in organizing “The Circle of Friends Butterfly Release”
– Roy P.
The Butterfly Kisses Memorial Release was a beautiful event and one that was a special day for me. I felt the presence of my Father that day, giving me time to reflect on the time we had together. I look forward to being able to join the event this year as well and share this experience with so many other loving families.
– Vita Di Serio
When I attended this event, it seemed to be well organized and was heart warming to see a lot of people gathering together for their loved ones lost, and through the symbolic release of the butterflies.
– Tony Perugini
The Circle of Friends, Butterfly Kisses Memorial Release is an event that will not only honour your loved ones but will touch your heart in an unforgettable way. As we near the 15th Anniversary, it goes without saying that this fundraiser has been not only successful in raising funds for our local hospital and Hospice Vaughan but it has helped thousands of people celebrate their loved ones in an incredibly beautiful way. The Founder, Sonia Facchini and her team of hardworking volunteers orchestrate a stunning event year after year without fail. And as a side benefit, thousands have butterflies have been released into the eco system which benefits everyone. I am proud to say I was a volunteer in the early years and always enjoyed watching how touching it was when everyone released their butterflies all at same time. I look forward to the event every year as it is not to be missed.
– Corinne McCullough
I attended for the first time last year. I found it to be a very good experience. People gathered together for their loved ones and sending them their butterflies
Will definitely go again.
– Norma Giacco
The annual Butterfly Kisses Memorial Release is a beautiful way for people to honour their loved ones. It is a profoundly individual experience that takes place within a community of people remembering those who have passed. One hundred percent of the monies raised from the sale of the butterflies are returned to the community through donation to a local charity (Hospice Vaughan in recent years). I have been privileged to volunteer and work alongside other volunteers at this event for the past 2 years. I would encourage anyone looking for a meaningful way to remember their loved ones to attend this special event.
– Sarah Butterworth
2023 Photos
2022 Testimonials
We attended our first butterfly kisses memorial release this past summer and it was such an extraordinary way for our family to honour our loved ones. The event commemorates loved ones through song, poetry and prayer. It was incredible to see all the people involved to make such an event happen and you could tell that the event means so much to them. I was overcome with a feeling of community. My two daughters especially loved the release of the butterflies. We look forward to making this an annual tradition!
– Laura Q
I have been attending the Butterfly Event for years and find it very comforting spending it with all the people that have lost a family member they loved. The event brings comfort in knowing I am not alone. Thank you to Sonia and the Circle of Friends for the amazing event. Looking forward to next year!
– Enza B
Hello, this was my first year attending the event and found it very peaceful. I loved listening to the singer and all the lovely poem readers. I enjoyed the raffle prizes and hope lots of money is raised as it is being donated to Hospice Vaughan. Everyone did an amazing job with the event. I want to congratulate the committee members for putting this incredible memorial event together and bring love to all.
– Luisa M
I have been in attendance every year since this beautiful event has started. It’s incredible all the hard work the Circle of Friends do to make this event amazing. Thank you for taking the time to remember our loved ones and donating all monies to charity. You are all angels on earth.
– Iolanda M
2022 Photos
2019 Testimonials
The butterfly event has really touched my life in so many special ways that not even words can express. It has been eight long and sad years now that my mom has passed away and when I go to the butterfly release, I get a chance to connect with my mom in such a memorable way …it really is a heartfelt moment. I admire everyone who dedicates all their time and effort into putting such a wonderful event together. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have this beautiful and precious experience to look forward to every year—many thanks to all of you, truly, from the bottom of my heart!
Warm Regards,
– Toni Z
This year my husband and I along with close friends attended the butterfly event for the first time. We had such an amazing experience coming together with other people who share the same feeling of losing a close loved one. It was wonderful to gather together to reminisce and remember people who are no longer here with us. The moment of releasing the butterflies together as a group was absolutely magical. We had a great time and hope to continue attending this event every year.
– Ashley B
This was a beautiful and very meaningful event. It was deeply moving to share this experience with so many people from the community as I personally honoured my loved ones who have passed.
– Sarah B
I have attended the event for the last 5 years with my family and can’t stop thinking what a wonderful event this is. The event brings us sadness but joy at the same time. It’s a time for all participants to gather and support each other for the loss of our loved ones. I have noticed the event has grown over the last couple of years and thank the Circle of Friends for hosting this beautiful event.
– Joe M
Thank you to Sonia and the Circle of Friends committee for creating such an amazing for people to come together and grieve the loss of their loved ones and to raise money for charity. Looking forward to attending the event in 2020.
– John P
2019 Photos
2018 Testimonials
I never felt so connected to the other side as I did that day. It was the healing we all needed. Can’t wait till next year’s event.
– Angie
It was so beautiful. Very symbolic and I really loved that my girls were able to take part in the readings as well.
– Nicki
It truly was a beautiful event. It was very emotional for me but I was grateful for the opportunity to send a kiss with a butterfly to my little girl. Now, when I see a butterfly, I think of her.
– Pina
I had the pleasure of attending the butterfly memorial event this past summer. It was a very emotional day for me but also a wonderful way to feel closer to my loved ones who have passed. I took forward to the next event.
– Paula
I look forward to the butterfly kisses memorial release all year. It’s a chance to connect to my loved ones in Heaven. I feel honoured to spend this day releasing butterflies that symbolize growth, freedom and love with so many people in the community, and from all walks of life, most especially with the Circle of Friends committee, giving so freely of their time. To honour their loved ones. They do a great job in making everyone feel heard, they extend so much care and compassion. It’s a beautiful day that connects is through spirit to both our loved ones who have passed and all the people partaking in the event. I’ve been attending for three years and I’m so grateful for his event as it allows me to celebrate and honour the life of my loved ones while giving me the opportunity to give back to the community and help Hospice Vaughan through the Circle of Friends-Butterfly Kisses Memorial Release
– Daniela
2018 Photos
2017 Testimonials
Last year I attended the Butterfly Release event as I have every year before that, since it began. I always look forward to being a part of honoring those that have passed in such a special way. I can honestly say that every single year as I drive away from another beautiful experience of releasing those butterflies, I feel a sense of peace; as if my loved ones understood how much I love them. It is really not an event to be missed, not only for your own personal experience but also to support Hospice Vaughan which continues to do so much amazing work in our community.
– Corinne M
The Butterfly Memorial Release was fantastic. The raffle prizes and silent auction were very cool and I’m glad that there were so many avid donations and the cause it went to. The way the succession of events was smooth and transitioned nicely. The release was great and it was something that carried a pretty special feeling in my heart. There’s something pretty magical about Mother Nature and how it works to give you signs that your loved ones are still around you.
– Katrina C
Being a part of the Circle of Friends Butterfly Release was such a positive experience for me. The welcomers, presenters and overall environment was above and beyond what I had anticipated. The release of butterflies was so beautiful and uplifting that I left with a positive feeling about my lost loved ones. This is an experience I will continue to participate in to honour those near and dear to my heart.
– Allison B
We have attended the circle of friends butterfly event for the past several years. This event is very special to our entire family. It is a time that we gather together to remember our loved ones who have gone before us. It is a very emotional day for everyone. My children look forward to this event every year. They feel so close to their Zio and enjoy hearing the poems and songs that are shared throughout the day.
– Daniela M
Why the Butterfly release is important to me?
The butterfly release is awesome and important to me because it is talking about loved ones that passes away and people sing songs and say poems. Every year I say a poem. It is just fun and when they all let go, it looks like a butterfly sky!! This is why it’s important for me.
– Ava M, Age 10
2017 Photos
2016 Testimonials
This was my first time attending the Butterfly Kisses Memorial event. I was joined by my husband, son and sister and we each had 3 butterflies to release. It was a beautiful gathering filled with music, poetry and the touching “reading of the names” ceremony. Together we honoured those that had died and all of us who remembered. As a community we joined to share our grief for our losses and our hope for the future. There were tears and laughter and the exchange of sacred stories. We will definitely return next year and will bring more friends and family members to this heartfelt event. Thanks for all you do,
– Kate M
Being my first year attending the Butterfly Kisses event, I had no idea what to expect. I watched people laugh, cry and looking concord remembering their loved ones. I recommend this event for others to attend as it gives you peace in dealing with the passing of your loved ones. It’s like you feel that they are there with you. It was such a great event and it left me with a good feeling in my heart.
– Nydia G
I would like to say I love the butterfly release in memory of our loved ones.it reminds me of our loved ones are always with us.
– Gina M
As I look around I saw a familiar face in the crowd. I walk over to say hello to a young man and his brothers who were there pay tribute to their mother who passed away about a year ago. Like him, many other gathered there to pay tribute to family and friend. The day’s events started with the excitement of the drawing of the raffle tickets. Beautiful prizes to be won, donated by generous individuals and companies. As the celebration moved on we listened to the great talents of singers and the reading of poems. We stood quietly and listen with anticipation as the names of our angels were read. My eyes watered and I began to cry as I hear the names of my father, father-in-law, grandfather, grandmother, aunt and cousin were mentioned. I cried, not only for me but for the young boy who was missing his mother and the pain that he and the many others were feeling.
It was finally time…..As I held the boxes with the butterflies in my hands, I whispered messages to each one and gave them a kiss. As the rain stopped and the skies cleared and Bette Midler songs plays in the background we all opened our boxes and released those beautiful butterflies towards heaven with the hopes of our messages and butterfly kisses would be delivered……….Fly, fly, fly high against the sky…… Thank you, thank you, Thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings.
– Santa A
We were so grateful to have experienced the magical moment of releasing the butterflies. That tender moment with each of them allowed us to once again connect with our loved ones and to say “I love you and I will hold you forever in my heart” It’s moments like this that allow for healing to take place and new possibilities of living to appear. We released our loved ones today and in return we were freed.
– Cynthia P
2016 Photos
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2015 Testimonials
I have been enjoying the Butterfly Release for Four years after the loss of my Mom Evelyn Marie Summers we came to release and our First Year was very difficult as she was such a huge part of who we are and we missed her so much. We Loved the event and made it our part if her ongoing memory to attend every year. It is both sad and healing !I had the pleasure this year of actually taking a butterfly home with me it stayed on my shirt near my heart and so it was to come home. I released in my own memorial garden in my backyard. I just celebrated a milestone Birthday and The Butterfly or so I would like to think has been Flying around my backyard. Since I came home and released it. It may or may not be but it so helps me to think it could actually be her way of saying all is well and I am always with you all !!! Please know we are so grateful that this butterfly release was started and hopefully will continue and help all those who can find Comfort a d Peace. !!!!
– Cheryl N
The butterfly release was a day our family will never forget! August 8 was the birthday of my Great Grandmother Mabel Beatrice and to release a butterfly in her memory was so touching. Watching my daughter Maya dance to “Angel” was emotional yet heart warming. We are thankful that we were able to be a part of his special day!!!
– Lara L
I liked the butterfly memorial at the end when all the butterfly’s were released. I liked it because it reminded me of my nonno.
– Giuliana C
My first experience with the butterfly memorial was extremely touching. I can hardly put in to words the special significance of gathering with family and friends and strangers, to remember our loved ones. A day I will always remember and cherish. I know my dad was with us on this day.
– Angie C
2015 Photos
2014 Testimonials
I attended the butterfly kisses memorial release on August 9th, 2014.
My grandmother just passed away in July, so the event really helped in dealing with the loss, it brought everyone that was present together as we were all dealing with loss no matter how new or old our loved ones passing occurred. The ceremony was beautiful, all the songs & poems performed were beautiful & effected everyone in their own way. I was blessed to share this experience with my sister & nephew & 5 cousins + their kids, brought us all together sharing our grief. When the butterflies were released was the most beautiful, spiritual moment, I wasn’t aware that the butterflies were going to be monarchs, they represented so much more than I expected.
To see the butterflies land on the grass & surrounding everyone just felt like our loved ones were present hugging us all. God Bless Sonia & all the volunteers that put together this beautiful event! I will definitely make this a yearly tradition.
Thank you
– Toni B
Thank you to Sonia and her team for dedicating the time and effort into this beautiful event. The butterfly kisses memorial release is to honor the ones we have lost – who are still in our hearts, and it did just that! This was truly a heartfelt and lovely event that I will definitely attended every year. Releasing the beautiful Monarch Butterflies to our loved ones was truly emotional and wonderful to see. It made me feel as though my loved ones were there with us. Beautiful Event!!!!
Thank you,
– Antonella R
Just wanted to comment on the butterfly kisses memorial release event held on August 9th, this was the first time attending this event or any event of this sort and at first it was a time that my family and I could get together to remember our loved ones but it turned into so much more than that. The service was beautiful and when we released the butterflies it felt as though our loved ones were there. We will definitely be attending any future events and have even requested to volunteer my time to assist any way I can.
– Rita C
This message is in regards to the butterfly release.
This was my first year I attended. It was such a great event where strangers, family and friends came together to celebrate the people we have lost in our lives. I went through so many emotions that day as we remembered the great times we had with our loved ones. I felt at peace, relaxed and overwhelmed with emotion. It was such an amazing day. I have and will let more people aware of this special event.
Thank you very much to everyone for all that you do.
God Bless
– Carmela G
It was a pleasure to attend my first Circle of Friends Butterfly Kisses Memorial Release this year at Doctor Maclean’s Park, along with my 12 year old daughter. It was a beautiful day and we were truly touched by all the participants coming together to honour their loved ones. The entertainment was spectacular – each performer sharing a special song or poem in memory of a loved one. It gave all those in attendance an opportunity to shed a tear and pay tribute to the spirit of loved ones that are missed in our lives. The release of the butterflies was a beautiful and touching moment. I commend Sonia and her committee for organizing such a memorable event and as a Board Member for Hospice Vaughan, I thank them for their support and generosity.
With gratitude,
– Lucy C
2014 Photos
2013 Testimonials
The release of all the butterflies was absolutely breath-taking. The whole experience was enlightening, reflective and gave me a sense of emotional release and peace. It was an opportunity to have quiet self-reflection as well as a happy moment with those people around you.
My family and I are looking forward to next year.
– Lucy DP
I wanted to send you a note and express the amazing experience we had on August 10th at the Butterfly Kiss Memorial release. From the moment we walked into the park and seen all the people there for their loved ones and the poems and beautiful songs touched our hearts. There were many tears and smiles, and we truly felt my Mom’s presence.
We lost my Mom on November 14th, 2013, she was only 57 years old and all of our best friend.
We miss her so much. She loved butterflies so this day was even more special because butterflies are a special symbol of my Mom to our family.
Thank you so much for dedicating your time and efforts to this special event, we are looking forward to next year and have told many of our family to come!
– Adriana R
The butterfly release was one of the most touching experiences I had.. From listening to the beautiful songs that were played, to the special words that were said, and to that very special moment of releasing the butterfly in my hands, made me feel a connection to my mother-one I will never forget. That day, I got to honor my mother, cherish that moment, and place that memory forever in my heart. Mom, you are missed each and everyday. I love you.
– Tonina P
On a warm, sunny Saturday in August I stood next to my grandmother as she released a butterfly in honour of her sister. It was a truly magical and touching moment and very healing in our grief. The symbolism of seeing all the butterflies take flight in the sky was significantly moving! It was such a well organized, wonderful event and I am so glad that I was able to attend and participate with my family! I look forward to next year’s celebration!
– Carmela C
This was my first experience at the Butterfly Release Memorial. My father passed away only 5 months ago, so it was extra meaningful for my family and I. I thought it was very well organized and the singing and poems were extremely touching and fitting for the event. I thought the park was an ideal venue as it had all the amenities required. We are definitely coming back next year and plan to stay on for a family picnic. I also plan to use this charity for future gifts of condolence. Thank you for organizing! See you next year…
– Linda P
I released 3 Butterflies 1 for my Beautiful pet Byblos which sadly passed away Aug. 13 2012 and 2 for my parents. My Husband Nik released 2 Butterflies one for Byblos and 1 for his Dad. The morning was very emotional for me. I was crying on the way down to the park. That day I was surrounded by everyone’s Love and Sadly their personal loss. The energy that day was Magnificent and Spiritual. I was so impressed and moved by the reading of the 400 Names. This to me was very important to put names to the Beautiful Butterflies. My husband and I do not have children. Byblos was my Little Girl and Best Friend. While I am typing this message I am crying. Byblos passing is still very painful for me. Releasing a Butterfly in her Honor meant the World to me. Yes we will be back next year and every year. I have proudly told my Friends and they too were moved by the experience I had. A funny thing about the first Butterfly I released for Byblos. When I opened the box her Butterfly was sleeping just like Byblos she always slept in the morning. I congratulate you Sonia and The Circle of Friends for what the event gave to us.
– Eda
2013 Photos
2012 Testimonials
I have had the pleasure of attending several past events and each time am moved by the experience. What a wonderful opportunity to remember past loved ones and delight in the release of the butterflies.
– Deb S
I found the event very spiritual and inspirational. I had lost three very loving, prominent people in my life within a short period. I had been grieving for a period of time, I was lost. The releasing of the butterflies was the beginning of my healing process. However one particular butterfly kept coming back to me it was so overwhelming because I knew he had never let go of me! The healing process continued. I feel it is time for me to come back next year to release that final butterfly that had difficulty letting go. I am very grateful to the organizers of the event, Sonia, you are wonderful.
– Enza D
On behalf of the Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers, I would like to take this opportunity to say a very special thank you to Sonia Facchini and her group at the “Circle of Friends – Butterfly Kisses”.
For the past three years this group has dedicated their time to support Hospice Vaughan. The success over the years has been due in large part of the very skilled, enthusiastic and committed group to help the community. Because of the ongoing support, from Circle of Friends an event that is held every August, Hospice Vaughan, is able to continue with our Caring Hands Day Respite Program. Hospice Vaughan has been able to grow as an organization, with the ability to provide counselling programs to children, teens and adults. Some of our current services include the In-Home Client Visiting, Caring Hands Day Respite Program, Individual Counselling, Grief and Bereavement support groups, and Homework Club for bereaved children.
No journey is more difficult than the path followed by those facing a life-threatening illness. Hospice Vaughan is committed to sharing this journey and offering supportive care to the individual and families, this only works with a group of people like Circle of Friends – Butterfly Kisses that truly open their hearts to Hospice Vaughan.
Thank you so much.
– Carmela S
I attended my first Butterfly Kisses Memorial in 2012. It rained the night before and it threatened rain in the early morning BUT when the event started at 10:00am the sun began to shine. I kept watching the many people at the event (including all the children)and they all had wonderful smiles and I felt at home even though I didn’t know anyone. The singers were beyond terrific.I was extremely pleased that the profits went to Hospice Vaughan. I attended the event because I wanted to honour many members of my family. When the moment came to release the Butterflies it was magical. Thanks to the great volunteers. God Bless them all.
– Dennis L
2012 Photos
2011 Testimonials
This was my first time attending the Butterfly Kisses Memorial Release and I’m so glad that I did.
I had just lost my Grandmother in March and I wanted to release a butterfly in her name. I brought my family, Mom and sister with me to the event. They were too very moved by the event as I was. For anyone who has lost a loved one, it is definitely a very heartwarming way to keep their memory alive.
The event had children reading poems and singing songs this was a wonderful idea that helped make more of a ceremony than an event.
I would like to thank Sonia and the Circle of Friends Committee for all of their hard work and commitment in putting this day together. Through their dedication this event has become a wonderful way to honor those special people who have touched our lives so dearly. I look forward to next year’s event. Congratulations to everyone involved in this wonderful event.
– Pina M.
Words can’t begin to explain to you what kind of healing process I go through each time I attend the Butterfly release event you and your team so eloquently host.
For me it is very bittersweet and I dedicate my butterfly to my mother who suddenly died at the young age of 39. I always felt that she was never at peace with her life and can only imagine that this would also be the case in death. She left behind 3 children aged 21, 20 and 11, we lost her too quickly without ever having the chance to say goodbye.
The butterfly release allows me every year to say goodbye and set her free, her spirit is within the butterfly, I tell her everything is ok and we are living happy lives, that we love her and will never forget her, but that she must be free. When I release my butterfly, I am releasing her and pray that she is happy wherever she may be.
I mourn as I set her free, but as I watch the beauty of seeing the butterfly fly freely, I know in my heart that she is watching.
I plan to attend every year, and hope that this event keeps strong and that one day when my time comes, someone will set a butterfly free for me.
– Susan
2011 Photos
2010 Testimonials
The Butterfly Kisses Memorial Release is a special day that commemorates all of our loved ones that have passed on. The Circle of Friends Committee has put together a beautiful event that allows the community to come together to share special memories and to remember all those who are no longer with us. I would like to thank the Circle of Friends Committee for all of their hard work and commitment in putting this day together. Through their dedication this event has become a wonderful way to honour those special people who have touched our lives so dearly.
– Gino R
Thanks again for an emotionally uplifting experience. I’ll be there next year with the whole extended family.
– Rebecca P
The event was great and brought back a lot of love and memories, everyone was great and thank you and everyone else for making it special.
– Angela T
Thank You, My Mum, sister and I really were very moved by the whole experience and being a FLUTTERBY( my Mum nicknamed me because I never sat still) and loving butterflies, the day had special meaning. I came home, sat in my back garden…watched the Monarchs moving in and out around the flowers on my Butterfly Bushes…and reflected…with a smile in my heart. Thank You and we will see you next year.
– Joyce N
Thanks so much, Sonia, for your hard work and dedication. It was a very spiritual and inspirational moment for myself and my family. Thanks again for everything and hope to see you next year.
– Grace B
Thanks Sonia and your team….this was another special memory to tuck in our hearts. God Bless all our Angels and thanks for making such a wonderful event.
– Debbie S
Sonia, I am sorry that I was unable to attend, but I just wanted to express my thanks to you and your committee. Thank you for organizing the Butterfly Kisses Memorial Event – I have received such wonderful feedback from those who have attended – thank you for bringing our community together and for your hard work and dedication. You are all a very special group of people.
– Lucy C
It was a pleasure meeting you at the butterfly release it was really beautiful! You guys did a wonderful job with the songs and the readings really touched the heart!
It is funny the little signs we get sometimes. My sister bought a butterfly in memory of her husband David Marsden (he was a constable with Toronto Police Services he passed away two years ago after a very long battle with a mental illness so sad. He used to drive a red sunfire so we always say when we see a red sun fire that is a sign from Dave. So just as the parking lot was getting full a red sunfire pulls in! Also present were members of I believe Your Regional Police Service. So she was very happy to see the red sunfire and members of a Police Service. Davids sister and brother in law bought tickets on the necklace and the jersey and Harry won the necklace! So we also took that as a sign from David. My boyfriend Tony Venditti passed away 10 years ago from a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor and while waiting in line the lady behind me was getting a butterfly in memory of her daughter who also passed away from a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor. So that was my sign from Tony. There are signs all around we just have to look for them and by you and your circle of friends organizing such an event it gives us a place to really honor our loved ones in a really special way so thank you very much!
– Judy D
Sonia, you asked what the butterfly memorial event means to me, and it is this: it is a few minutes out of a rather busy life to reflect on that of my late eldest brother, Michael Jerome Carella—as distinct from my father Michael Andrew Carella. “Mickey”, as my brother was known to us, was an outstanding individual, a highly-regarded university professor, and a too-early victim of multiple myeloma. More than anyone else, he is the reason I came to Toronto, to attend university, from California, where I was born and raised. The life I have made for myself, my wife, my family, are all due to his guidance. So I am grateful that over the last two years I have had so beautiful an opportunity to reflect on his life, his brotherhood, and his guidance, which have had so signal an impact on my life. Thank you for that opportunity.
– Tony C
2010 Photos
2009 Testimonials
This year was the first event I attended and am very glad I did. For anyone who has lost a loved one, it is definitely a very heart warming way to keep their memory alive.
– Giovanna P
My mother and I went to the butterfly memorial release 2009. This was the most amazing touching, heart warming event, we have ever attended. It is an amazing event, it was very emotional, and there were a lot of tears, but very touching and sentimental to every individual. This event will be an event that I would like to attend yearly, it was amazing words can’t even describe.
– Elana and Rhonda
It was an amazing event for me personally becasue i got to remember and release a beautiful butterfly for my young cousin who had past away. It was a very special day for me and many others and we got a chance to remember our past loved ones together.It was a truely remarkable event especially during the time when we released the beautiful butterflies. I can not wait for next year!!!!
– Silvana D
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Dealing with death and remembering loved ones is something very personal to me. From the moment I pulled into the parking lot, and saw the welcome banner and committee members with their smiling faces, I knew this day would be a special one. I kept to myself closer to the back of the crowd, and thoroughly enjoyed the singers, musicians, readers, and everyone who courageously got up and spoke about their loved one. I remember smiling, laughing, and crying all within 2 minutes. When it came time to release the butterflies, I was content to sit on the outside and watch, but a special friend noticed I didn’t have one and gave me one of theirs. What a breathtaking feeling seeing all these butterflies released at the same time. I saw kids laughing and running, moms and dads speaking of their sharp colours, and elderly couples embracing, as life is precious. I am so thankful that I received the invitation to attend last year, and this year, my family and friends are looking forward to joining me as well!!!
– Andrea P
2009 Photos
2008
With 2008 being our inaugartion year of the Butterfly Kisses Memorial we did not know what to expect.
The result was an overwhelming success as we raised $8,000. All proceeds were donated to the Vaughan Health Care Foundation, an initiative that is working toward building a much needed hospital in Vaughan.
This event was able to bring us one step closer to this objective and generated enough interest to turn the Butterfly Kisses Memorial into an annual event.
2008 Testimonials
I thought it was very beautiful, the day was gorgeous and the butterfly release was such a great feeling knowing that you were releasing the monarchs in memory of loved ones. Having the poems and singers there was also a wonderful idea to help make more of a ceremony out of the event.
– Daniela B
Thank you for your kind words. We were very touched by the events that day. When the butterflies were released, it was so beautiful. Our whole family was very touched by that day.
– Lucy C
I had the pleasure of attending last weeks Butterfly Memorial Service and thought it important to acknowledge the hard work and efforts by your committee in organizing such a beautiful service. Your team did a great job and deserve to be commended.
– Jim T
2008 Photos
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