On behalf of CHEO and Roger Neilson House, in collaboration with the Compassionate Friends, we present the 2022 Butterfly Release Memorial. This memorial event is held for families who have lost a child regardless of age. This year, we will be hosting an in-person event outdoors near CHEO at the Ronald McDonald House. A virtual ceremony will also be available for viewing. At both the in-person event and virtual ceremony, butterflies will be released in honour of the memory of children lost.
RSVP information to the in-person event or virtual ceremony can be found below.
RSVP
About the in-person event (Saturday, June 18) |
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What to expect on the day
Attendees to the in-person ceremony will be greeted by volunteers and led to the seating area. Limited seating will be available, so we ask that those who are able to stand for the ceremony please do so. You're also welcome to bring personal chairs for use. The ceremony will be about 35 minutes in length. The Canterbury High School Choir will be providing music while attendees arrive and during the ceremony. When you arrive, you will be asked to check in at the visitor’s table to sign in and receive your butterfly. When checking in, you will be able to let us know who you are there to remember. During the ceremony, the name of your loved one will be read aloud. Once all the names have been read, the presenter will ask you to open your butterfly box and release your butterfly along with other attendees at the same time. Please avoid opening your box until we prompt you. To respect the privacy of all presenters and attendees, we ask that no photos or videos be taken during the ceremony. Washroom facilities are unfortunately not available at the Ronald McDonald House, volunteers will be available to direct attendees to accessible washrooms in CHEO's main building. You are welcome to remain and to talk with other families, staff and medical staff after the ceremony. RSVP RSVP to Butterfly Release Memorial Please note: all families will also receive a link to view the virtual ceremony on Saturday, June 25. |
About the virtual event (Saturday, June 25) |
What to expect on the day In addition to the in-person event, we will be sending a virtual ceremony that families can view on their own devices. All of those who RSVP, even if they are unable to attend the in-person event, will receive a link to view the virtual ceremony. We will inform all of those who RSVP when the link to the video is live. Only those who have the direct link with have access to view the ceremony, though you are welcome and encouraged to share the link with family and friends when you receive it. To respect the privacy of all families and attendees, we ask that you please do not share the video link on social media, such as Facebook or Twitter. RSVP |
For more information, please contact Patient Experience by phone (613) 737-7600 ext. 3078 or email experience@cheo.on.ca.
Butterfly activity sheet
Grief and loss can be expressed in many different ways. It’s often children who are able to express theirs beautifully through creative art. Perhaps your child, youth or other family members (of any age) would like to use this butterfly template to express themselves.
We've created this butterfly activity sheet for your family to use before, during or after the ceremony.
- Here are a few prompts to help you get started:
- Draw memories of your loved one in the butterfly
- Write words that remind you of your loved on in the butterfly
- Use colours that show how you are feeling