The art exhibit will provide the community with an opportunity to honour and remember the people we have loved and lost and serve as a reminder to acknowledge those who are mourning.
ORANGEVILLE, ON (November 10, 2023) – This week, Dufferin-Caledon residents and media gathered inside Headwaters Health Care Centre, hosted by Bethell Hospice and Hospice Dufferin, in collaboration with Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team (HOHC OHT) for the launch of the Butterfly Bereavement Project, an art exhibit of vellum butterflies on display throughout November. More than 1,000 butterflies, decorated by members of the Dufferin-Caledon community, represent hope and symbolize transformation, and are used around the world to raise awareness about grief and bereavement. The event also gives visitors a chance to pledge their support to those who are grieving, sending the message that Grief Matters, as well as learn more about how to support the bereaved.
“Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team is a local partnership consisting of patients, physicians, health, social and municipal agencies with the shared purpose of creating a healthy and supportive community for everyone in Dufferin/Caledon,” said Tracy Coffin, Executive Director, HOHC OHT. “We are extremely proud of the work we have been able to facilitate through our Bereavement Working Group, and the impact that our partners have on those who need support in our community,” added Coffin.
The butterflies are the product of a year-long campaign by Bethell Hospice and Hospice Dufferin, as part of a HOHC OHT Bereavement Working Group, to bring together members of the community who may be grieving a loved one or friend and honour them through a form of art therapy in the decorating of craft butterflies.
“As a hospital, we have the privilege of walking alongside families and caregivers in their grief and bereavement journeys. Extending our welcome to families and caregivers through the Butterfly Bereavement Project is an immense honour. We appreciate the invaluable work of our partners Bethell Hospice and Hospice Dufferin as our community remembers their loved ones,” said Kim Delahunt, CEO and President, Headwaters Health Care Centre.
In collaboration with several community partners, such as Caledon Meals on Wheels, Caledon Community Services, Canes Community Care, King Nursing Home, Town of Caledon, North Star Montessori School, more than 1,000 butterflies have been decorated and collected to be part of the Butterfly Project art exhibit.
Throughout November, anyone from the community is invited to admire the kaleidoscope of personalized paper butterflies on display at Headwaters’ Ambulatory Care wing and contribute their own virtual bereavement butterfly or personalized message. For more information on the Butterfly Bereavement Project, visit https://hillsofheadwaterscollaborative.ca/bereavement-services/.
