From My Heart to Yours: Why This Year’s Walk and Butterfly Release Matter
- zpadhiyar
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
I never expected grief to feel like guilt. Ten days. That’s all it took for my world to shift - losing my uncle and then my grandfather just ten days apart, all while thousands of miles away from home. I had just started a new job in a new country, with no time to pause. As an international student, I carried on as best I could, while my heart quietly broke. I joined Evergreen Hospice because I understand how memory walks hand in hand with loss, and how honouring someone’s life can begin to heal your own. - Zalak P., Development and Donor Relations Lead
Since joining Evergreen, it’s been an honour to help plan the Pass the Care Forward Walk and Butterfly Release. On June 22 at 10 AM, our community will gather to reflect, remember, and celebrate those we’ve lost. In every step of the walk and each butterfly prepared, I see pieces of my own story. Thanks to our generous community and partners, this has grown into a cherished Markham tradition, offering comfort, connection, and healing.
We know 10:00 AM might not work for everyone, especially those attending church; so we warmly invite you to join us at 11:30 AM for the butterfly release, a moving and symbolic moment you won’t want to miss.
What to Expect This Year
We’ll begin at Amica Unionville (34 Main St, Unionville, Markham), then take a peaceful walk through local trails, a gentle journey of remembrance to honour your loved ones in a space of reflection and quiet tribute.
After the walk, come back to Amica Unionville for a warm, welcoming gathering. You can look forward to:
A complimentary lunch and refreshments – generously provided by our hosts at Amica Unionville
A heartfelt Butterfly Release Ceremony – where you can honour your loved one with a beautiful, symbolic gesture of love and letting go
Exciting raffle prizes – donated by local businesses who care deeply about this cause
Moments to connect – with others who understand the journey of grief, love, and healing
There’s parking available on the right side of the building, and we’ll have clear signage to help guide you in. We hope to see you there, it wouldn’t be the same without you.
We’re also excited to share a few new features for 2025. If you can’t attend in person, you can still be part of the experience through our remote butterfly release option, just send us your loved one’s name, and we’ll release a butterfly on your behalf.
To make the day more accessible, we’ve added more volunteers, clearer signage, and extra support along the trail. Plus, registering or dedicating a butterfly is now easier than ever with QR codes and simplified digital tools, so you can participate from anywhere.
What began as a quiet memorial has grown into one of Evergreen’s most meaningful traditions, but its heart remains the same: a day of compassion, remembrance, and love. Every step taken and every butterfly released is a tribute to those we hold close and a promise to pass the care forward. We’d be honoured to have you walk with us.
We hope you’ll join us on June 22 to be part of this special day, whether in person or from afar. Together, we’ll honour the memories of those we’ve lost, find comfort in community, and carry forward their legacy of love and care. Your presence, in any form, makes this day truly meaningful. We look forward to walking alongside you.
Join the Walk and Release Butterflies
We hope you’ll join us on Sunday, June 22nd to be part of this special day, whether in person or from afar. Together, we’ll honour the memories of those we’ve lost, find comfort in community, and carry forward their legacy of love and care. Your presence, in any form, makes this day truly meaningful. We look forward to walking alongside you.
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