From 1-3 p.m. Saturday, July 22, Niagara Hospice will hold its 14th annual Memorial Butterfly Release, while also conducting a special tribute to the 10th anniversary of Niagara Hospice House. Festivities will take place in the Niagara Hospice Memorial Gardens located behind Niagara Hospice House at 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport.
In many cultures, butterflies are recognized as universal symbols of hope and transformation, making them ideal for celebrating and remembering the lives of loved ones. Purchasing a butterfly is not required to be part of this year's special Niagara Hospice House tribute, however anyone wishing to do so is invited to pre-order butterflies by July 14 if they wish to release one in memory of a loved one at the event.
This year's program will include the tribute to Hospice House prior to the release of over 400 butterflies. Activities for the entire family will also take place, including a bounce house, kids' crafts and games, balloon art, face painting, refreshments and music by Step in Time Celtic. There will also be a "Niagara Hospice House Memories Book" available for viewing to honor the 10th anniversary. Butterfly-themed solar lanterns and live butterfly-attracting bushes for one's home garden will also be available for $25 each. Retired ornaments and sun catchers will also be available for sale.
Marketing and Public Relations Director Tricia Degan said the release is a great way to bring the community together to celebrate the people who have meant so much in families' lives, while also benefitting patients and families served by Niagara Hospice.
To purchase live butterflies, solar lanterns or butterfly plants, visit the event calendar page at
www.NiagaraHospice.org and click on the "2017 Memorial Butterfly Release" to order securely online, or to print an order form.
Niagara Hospice has provided end-of-life comfort, care and support since 1988 to over 25,000 Niagara County individuals and families faced with terminal illness. For more information, visit
www.NiagaraHospice.org or call 716-HOSPICE.
