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 8, 2023) – Today, 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/.
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Bethell Hospice provides compassionate, respectful 24-hour care in our hospice residence in Inglewood, ON to enhance the quality of life for individuals facing a life-limiting illness and their families. Hospice services are an essential component of our health care system, focusing on individualized care and comfort. Bethell Hospice also offers a range of community programs and services for individuals still residing in their own homes. Dignity and comfort are the cornerstones of care at Bethell Hospice. We welcome people of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions. All services and programs are provided at no cost. There are no fees to stay at Bethell Hospice, or to participate in any of our community programs, and no one is ever denied care due to their financial situation. Bethell Hospice is a proud partner in the Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team. For more information on Bethell Hospice, visit
https://bethellhospice.org/.
Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team (HOHC OHT) is a local partnership consisting of patients, physicians, health, social and municipal agencies with the shared purpose of creating one community, working together to improve the health and well-being of everyone who lives and provides care across Dufferin-Caledon since 2019. HOHC OHT was among the first 24 OHTs in the province to implement a new model of organizing and delivering health care. The OHT was the recipient of a Bright Lights Award from the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario in October 2021 in the category of ‘Demonstrating a Community Response During COVID-19 for going above and beyond to care for the community it serves. HOHC OHT is supported by funding from the Government of Ontario. To learn more about HOHC OHT, visit
hillsofheadwaterscollaborative.ca.
Headwaters Health Care Centre is an innovative hospital located in Orangeville, Ontario dedicated to quality patient-centred care together with our community in Dufferin County-Caledon. In addition to providing acute and complex continuing care with a 24/7 Emergency Department, and extensive Ambulatory Care outpatient services, Headwaters is accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada, certified as a Breast Assessment Centre by the Ontario Breast Screening Program, and will be offering MRI services in 2024. Headwaters is also a proud partner in the Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team. Learn more visit headwatershealth.ca and support the hospital at hhccfoundation.com
Media Contacts:
Kelly Stronach
Bethell Hospice Foundation
905-838-3534, extension 2249
416-720-7345 (cell)
kstronach@bethellhospice.org
Michelle Petch Gotuzzo
Hills of Headwaters Collaborative
519-278-5219
mpetchgotuzzo@headwatershealth.ca