Butterfly Bereavement Project art Installed at Town Hall

November 27, 2025 · 0 Comments

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In recognition of National Grief and Bereavement Day and National Children’s Grief Awareness Day in November, Bethell Hospice, in collaboration with Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team, Headwaters Health Care Centre, the Town of Caledon and Town of Orangeville, have installed this year’s Butterfly Bereavement Project art displays.

Bethell Hospice shared that, through a collaboration with several community partners, including King Nursing Home, Caledon Meals on Wheels, and Dufferin Area Family Health Team, they were able to decorate and collect more than 3,500 butterflies for the installations.

The butterflies are created by Dufferin and Caledon residents, and represent the hope and transformation experienced by those on a grief and bereavement journey, as well as a reminder to care for those grieving their loved ones.

The installations of arrays of personalized paper butterflies went up starting the week of November 10 across Dufferin and Caledon at Headwaters’ Ambulatory Care Wing, Orangeville Public Library, Mill Street, and the Town of Caledon Town Hall.

Margaret Paan, Executive Director for Bethell Hospice, said in a statement that “Bethell Hospice is so proud that the Butterfly Project, originally launched in 2022, has taken off and spread across the entire regions of Dufferin and Caledon.”

Paan shared the art installation is a testament to the fact that grief touches us all.

“As the only Hospice in Dufferin/Caledon, we can reach out and support the grief and bereavement needs of the community,” she added.

Mayor Annette Groves said “the Butterfly Bereavement Project, in recognition of National Grief and Bereavement Days, honours both those we have lost and those who grieve.”

“This heartfelt initiative brings our community together to raise awareness and offer comfort, understanding, and support to anyone navigating the difficult journey of loss,” said Mayor Groves in a statement.

For grief and bereavement services in Dufferin and Caledon, visit hillsofheadwaterscollaborative.ca/bereavement-services/grief-bereavement-resources/