Ryann Ward smiled when she remembered her late 鈥減apa,鈥� her grandfather on her father鈥檚 side, and her departed grandmother on her mother鈥檚 side, whom she called 鈥渕ormor,鈥� Danish for grandmother.

On Saturday, August 6, the nine-year-old from Murrayville joined hundreds of other people who released butterflies to honour the memories of loved ones at Krause Berry Farms.

After a two-year shutdown due to the pandemic, the event marked the return of the annual fundraiser for the 91原创 Lodge seniors home and 91原创 Hospice Society, with 400 butterflies taking to the air.

An estimated $10,000 was raised.

Former 91原创 City mayor Peter Fassbender, his wife Charlene, and cousin Anita Hellerich, were among the participants.

鈥淚n memory of my parents, Charlene鈥檚 parents and my cousin Peter (Anita鈥檚 husband),鈥� Fassbender explained.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a very special event,鈥� Fassbender added. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e raising funds for two great causes.鈥�

Charlene Fassbender told the 91原创 Advance Times she planned to say a 鈥渓ittle prayer for them, for my mom and dad.鈥�

After helping to distribute the boxed-up butterflies, first-time volunteer Wendy Taylor was moved by the emotion she witnessed.

鈥淚t鈥檚 magical,鈥� Taylor commented.

READ ALSO: Butterfly release aids 91原创 Hospice, 91原创 Lodge

Hospice Society executive Director Shannon Todd Booth said while the event is always a sellout, 鈥渨e had more pre-sales this year鈥� from people determined to be a part of it.

READ ALSO: Lodge volunteers given national medals

More photos from the day can be viewed online at the .