The 10th annual butterfly release fundraiser for Langley Hospice Society and Langley Lodge takes place at Krause Berry Farms again on Saturday, Aug. 17.
Hundreds come out for the event to release up to 400 painted lady butterflies in memory, honour, and celebration of a lost loved one at the local farm.
This will be the third year Cameron McKay, volunteer coordinator at Langley hospice, has helped organize the event.
“The butterfly gives people a chance to stop and just share a moment in honour of a loved one, and we think the butterfly is a beautiful way of doing that just for what is represents and symbolizes,” McKay said.
It's open to the public, with the butterfly release happening promptly at 1:30 p.m., noted Shannon Todd Booth, executive director.
“There are many ways to remember loved one, like planting flower or saplings, and the butterfly release is one of them,” said Todd Booth, noting ritual and traditions are a common method used to aid in processing a loss and work through the grief.
Those interested in participating must pre-order a butterfly, although the general public can attend and watch without charge.
In addition to the actual release of butterflies on Saturday, event organizers have also arranged kids activities onsite such as live entertainment, crafts and activities, and facepainting.
Todd Booth offered a suggestion for attendees wishing to attract butterflies on the day of the release.
“We recommend visitors to wear bright colours, which attract butterflies to sit around them.”
These butterflies are $25 each and can be pre-ordered online at langleyhospice.ca or by phone at 604-530-1115. Only a few butterflies will be available onsite on event day, beginning at 11 a.m. – on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Not everyone has a special reason to release the butterfly, said Todd Booth. Some simply attend to support the organizations or share in “the emotion and togetherness of the butterfly release event.”
Krause Berry Farms is located at 6179 248 St. The event runs from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
Author:
Kyler Emerson
