Aldergrove鈥檚 Harry Hunt was a regular, amid the crowds of hundreds who attended the annual butterfly release at Krause Berry Farms.

But after the loss of his wife Betty, the event took on special meaning for the community advocate.

One year, he took home more than a camera full of breathtaking photos, but a butterfly that he quickly released into a garden he and his wife Betty had nurtured and cherished together for so many years.

After that, he spoke with family and friends about that butterfly, moved by the fact that it stuck around the garden for many days.

It was something special that meant so much to him, and would have meant the world to his wife, Hunt shared. Admittedly, it also helped him in saying goodbye to his love.

鈥淭hat butterfly was special to him, and he carried that experience around with him,鈥� said 91原创 Hospice Society鈥檚 Shannon Todd Booth.

While most don鈥檛 purchase and take a butterfly home with them, they do chose to release a butterfly at the farm. It鈥檚 a way of remembering a loved one who has passed, while also helping the host charities raise a bit of money.

The release gives everyone present a chance to admire one of nature鈥檚 beautiful creatures, and at the same time to tap into those feelings of grief and remember a loved one fondly, Todd Booth explained, noting that many current and former bereaving clients attend as a tribute.

鈥淚 think it provides different things for different people鈥� whether they chose to release a butterfly or not, many take a little private time to grieve鈥� it has been impactful for many to have this way to celebrate and remember loved ones,鈥� she elaborated.

For the fourth year running, the local hospice is partnering with 91原创 Care Society to host the butterfly release and fundraiser on Saturday, July 8.

So far, they have orders for more than 400 butterflies. That鈥檚 up from 350 released last year and the largest number yet.

This year, because monarch butterflies are apparently hard to find, they will be releasing painted ladies.

While the event runs from 12:30 to 3 p.m., the butterflies will be released at 鈥減romptly鈥� 1:30 p.m., Todd Booth said.

鈥淚t鈥檚 become a truly unique way to engage people in a conversation about who we are and what we do in the community,鈥� Todd Booth said, calling the event a fund an awareness raiser.

Last year鈥檚 event raised more than $3,000, which was shared between hospice and 91原创 Lodge. This year, they鈥檙e adding a 50/50 draw they hope will generate a bit more money for the causes.

The event also includes children鈥檚 crafts, facepainting, and other entertainment.

To pre-order a butterfly ($25 each) for release, people can order online through the or call 530-1115. Alternately, they can order through or call 604-532-4207.

is located at 6179 248th St.

Event holds special meaning for Krauses

Sandee Krause, co-owner of the farm, admits this is one of the more significant events for both her, and her husband Alf, each year.

Alf needed hospice 20 years ago, 鈥渁nd they were there for him when he lost his first wife to breast cancer,鈥� Sandee explained.

鈥淲e feel very privileged to host this meaningful event each year, as a way to say thank you to them for being there to support him, we support them.鈥�

It is 鈥渁mazing鈥� to watch all these people release the butterflies then follow them around the garden as they freely land on flowers and bushes.

Sandee said the event gives 鈥渁n incredible feeling of beauty, love, and peace鈥� It鈥檚 so beautiful to watch.鈥�

There are lots of people, lots of activity, 鈥渁nd yet as they release their butterfly they are completely in their own world of private thoughts 鈥� ranging from celebrating a recent engagement or anniversary, to remembering someone very dear to them,鈥� Sandee said, recalling the first time she released a butterfly in memory of someone special to her.

鈥淚 opened my envelope and my butterfly flew out and stayed with me鈥� I didn鈥檛 want to leave the garden until it flew away and every time that I tried to move it stayed near me and followed me. It was just such a special feeling, eventually it did fly away and there was beauty 鈥� as well as peace 鈥� in that flight.鈥�