Local Organization Raises Money for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Through Annual Butterfly Run

Brockville – On October 29, 2024, the Brockville Butterfly Run – comprised of co-chairs Lesley Patry, and Tara Kelly – presented a cheque to a local, non-profit organization Queen Care – it’s a Mom Thing, in the amount of $5,500 which will be utilized in the continued support for women and families who experience pregnancy and infant loss in Brockville and the surrounding area.

The Brockville Butterfly Run hosted its annual walk/run event on Saturday, October 19th on the TISS track. There were roughly 90 people in attendance including people of all ages, some sporting butterfly wings! Participants obtained pledges to sponsor them on a 1k or 5k route with proceeds being donated to Queen Care.

These funds will go directly into the purchase of loss kits, operational costs for running their monthly peer-support group – currently held on the last Tuesday of every month at the Brockville Public Library, and production costs for a newly developed, comprehensive resource booklet (now available in multiple departments at the Brockville General Hospital).

“Such generous funding shows that Brockville values maternal health and we are proud to be in a community that rallies around those in need of support”, Pipsy Thomson, QueenCare.

The Brockville Butterfly Run donated a cuddle cot to BGH in 2019 following their first walk/run event. This tool has now been a crucial resource in affording families extra time with their babies before having to say goodbye.

Their team is committed to the continued advocacy, support, and fundraising initiatives that will make a difference for families who have or will experience the devastation of pregnancy and/or infant loss. Their message to anyone in this situation is, “You are not alone”.

You can find more information about the Brockville Butterfly Run or QueenCare by following their Facebook pages or visiting www.queencare.ca to access the resource booklet.