From tragedy grew an act of kindness that continues to touch families here in the Quinte region.
When the Butterfly Run began three years ago, three women just wanted to make a small difference.
Today at Belleville General Hospital, a cheque was presented with the proceeds raised from this year’s run totaling $119,810.
Linda Price, Program Director at BGH, says this fundraiser is about much more than just raising money.
In three years, Barb Matteucci, Loralee McInroy and Beth Primeau have helped to raise over $303,000 for the Child Bereavement Fund.
The Butterfly Run was founded in 2016 by Matteucci, McInroy and Primeau.
Matteucci says they never realized how important this cause was until they put something together.
There were over 1,000 participants in this year’s run.
When the Butterfly Run girls first began this venture they were hoping to raise $5,000 at each event.
In the first two years, they raised more than $175,000.
The Butterfly Run has helped to purchase a Cuddle Cot for Kingston General Hospital, bereavement kits, staff training and equipment such as a baby ventilator and labour and delivery lights.
The run was created to help break the silence surrounding pregnancy and infant loss and to provide supports at the hospital and in the community.