You can’t hurry Mother Nature.
The Rainy River District Palliative Care Volunteers are well aware of this as the monarch butterflies ordered for a release service originally slated for this Sunday (July 15) need a little more time to grow.
As such, volunteer co-ordinator Jennifer Anderson said yesterday the butterfly release service has been re-scheduled for Sunday, July 22 at 3 p.m. at the Legion Park here.
Anderson explained she had to order the butterflies well in advance of the ceremony to give the suppliers time to grow the beautiful insects. But she recently was informed the butterflies aren’t quite ready.
This turn of events is a blessing, however, as 11 of the 48 monarch butterflies ordered for this inaugural event still have not been purchased yet, and anyone wishing to adopt one in memory of those who have passed on can do so by contacting her at 274-4972.
Butterflies are available for purchase for $10 each—and you have the option of releasing the butterfly yourself.
Anderson said she’s excited with the response the event has received so far.
“I ordered 48 butterflies in total and we’ve sold 37 of them. I think for a first-time event, it’s been quite successful,” she remarked.
“The release of butterflies comes from an American Indian legend that believes that if anyone desires a wish to come true, they must capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it,” Anderson said in explaining the background of the butterfly release.
“Since butterflies make no sound, they can’t tell the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit,” she noted. “By making the wish and releasing the butterfly, [it] will be taken to the heavens and be granted.
“It is with this in mind that we will be releasing the butterflies for our family and friends, and for those who have left us behind.”
The release of the butterflies will be held as part of a short service starting at 3 p.m. Anderson noted everyone is welcome to attend, regardless of whether they purchased a butterfly or not, as the event is an opportunity to reflect on the departed and those who survive them.
“I think it will be great,” Anderson enthused.
The Rainy River District Palliative Care volunteers provide support to individuals and families living with a chronic or life-threatening illness by visiting in homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
The role of the volunteer is to listen, advocate for optimal care, assist the individual and family to achieve meaning and satisfaction at this difficult time, relieve caregivers, complement the role of family members, and observe confidentiality at all times.
For more information on receiving this service or becoming a volunteer, call Anderson at 274-4972.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
