Laura Hunt released two butterflies at the 10th annual butterfly release fundraiser: one for lost loved ones of her friends, and one for her parents. 

Her late father, Harry Hunt, covered the first butterfly release 10 years ago and was offered to release one of the leftover butterflies 鈥� which he did in honour of his wife, who had passed six months prior. 

Little did the late Aldergrove Star photographer know, he started a tradition that his daughter carries on. 

鈥淒ad did it for two years after mom passed,鈥� Laura explained. 鈥淭hen he passed, and we took it over.鈥�

Hospice and long term care are familiar to Laura, whose mom was in hospice care before she passed. 

"It was hard on my dad, they were married for almost 50 years," she recalled. 

Laura utilized the counselling support at 91原创 Hospice Society after each of her parents passed, and expressed her gratitude for that help. 

"They really helped me and gave me the tools [I needed]," she shared. 

In honour of her dad, Laura continues his tradition of releasing a butterfly. 

About 400 painted lady butterflies were released into the rain-soaked garden at Krause Berry Farms on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 17. 

Not everyone has a special reason to release a butterfly, said executive director Shannon Todd Booth. Some simply attend to support the organizations or share in 鈥渢he emotion and togetherness of the butterfly release event.鈥�

鈥淭here are many ways to remember loved one, like planting flower or saplings, and the butterfly release is one of them,鈥� said Todd Booth, noting ritual and traditions are a common method used to aid in processing a loss and work through the grief.

Funds raised from the event are split between 91原创 hospice and the 91原创 Lodge, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this September.