Almost 170 butterflies released at Huron Shores Hospice Wings of Remembrance

By: Liz Dadson August 25, 2026 109

Almost 170 butterflies released at Huron Shores Hospice Wings of Remembrance

It was quite a sight to behold as almost 170 butterflies were released at the first Wings of Remembrance, hosted by Huron Shores Hospice, Saturday afternoon, at the Whitney Crawford Community Centre in Tiverton.

Originally set to take place at the Tiverton Lions Walk of Memories, the event was moved indoors due to the forecasted rainy weather.

Sophie Nancekivell of Huron Shores Hospice welcomed about 100 people to the ceremony, noting that this was a time of remembrance, love and hope. "As you release your butterfly, take a moment to remember your loved one."

Cathy Herbert, executive director of the hospice, thanked everyone for attending the event and said that every name honoured with the release of a butterfly, represents a life, a story, a relationship, a loved one. "The butterfly represents transformation and hope, and with the release of the butterflies, we acknowledge our grief and celebrate the love that remains."

Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig said he remembers his mother who was a patient at Huron Shores Hospice. "Memories are what ground us," he said. "We remember the good times we had, and the wonderful things we shared. When we release these butterflies, that will be a good memory."

Cheryl Cottrill, a founding member of Huron Shores Hospice, said hospice is all about compassionate care at the end of life. "This event is an expression of that commitment, and we are honoured to share that remembrance with you."

A moment of silence was held, followed by a reading, and words of remembrance by Eugene Dufour of the hospice, who said there is no right or wrong way to grieve, and Huron Shores Hospice has many programs to help those who are grieving.

Clare O'Handley, granddaughter of Norie Dickson, lit the memorial candle on behalf of the Dickson family, and Aprille Fox of Huron Shores Hospice explained how the butterfly release would be done.

Those who adopted a butterfly would receive it in a protective glassine envelope. They were to take the envelope outside, open it, and slowly and carefully encourage the butterfly onto their hand and release it onto a flower or one of the orange halves hanging on posts outside the entrance to the community centre.

The names of those honoured at the Wings of Remembrance, were read out loud, and then everyone went outside to release the butterflies.