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Pandemic Can't Stop Butterfly Ceremony

Hospice Care SWMI

An annual program in southwest Michigan to remember lost loved ones will continue despite the corona virus pandemic - virtually.

The butterfly release events are sponsored by Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Spokeswoman Katie Paauwe says they are an appropriate way to help people remember those who've died.

"And (they're) a symbol of, kind of the metamorphosis and the transition of going through hard things and turning into something beautiful."

Credit Hospice Care SWMI
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Hospice Care SWMI
Glass keepsake that will be given to donors in the virtual butterfly release

Paauwe says a small number of real monarch butterflies will be released later this month at Battle Creek's Leila Arboretum.

"I think, this year, because we're doing it virtually and we're just releasing some for the video, we'll probably do 25 live butterflies."

But Paauwe says those who donate at least $30 will receive a glass butterfly as a keepsake. She says the organization hopes to raise at least $10,000 by July 24th.

"We're a nonprofit hospice, so we don't turn away anyone. And we want to make sure that we have funds available to be able to help anyone who needs us at the most vulnerable times at the end of our lives."

The fundraiser also helps cover the cost of grief counseling services. The virtual butterfly release and other activities begin July 18, 2020.

Andy Robins has been WMUK's News Director since 1998 and a broadcast journalist for over 24 years. He joined WMUK's staff in 1985. Under his direction, WMUK has received numerous awards for news reporting.