Although the morning was overcast and threatening rain, spirits were high, and Millennium Park was full of energy and comradery on Sunday April 30th for the Peterborough Butterfly Run.  Over 1000 people came out for the run to participate in the 1KM Kids Fun Run, 1KM Memorial Walk or the 5KM Run/Walk.  Every one of those 1000 participants, supporters and volunteers also came to show their support for friends, family, co-workers, and even people they’ve never met, who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, the loss of a child, or are unable to conceive.

This was the first in-person Peterborough Butterfly Run since 2019, having moved virtual for 2021 and2022.  The support for the return to a live event was much greater than the organizers could have ever wished for.  On top of having a massive crowd in Millennium Park, a record total of funds was raised leading up to and during the event.  Although donations are still coming in and being counted, the event raised over $100,000, making it the highest grossing Peterborough Butterfly Run since its inception in 2017!

“What an amazing return to the in-person format” said Vince Bierworth, Executive Director for the GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, Event Organizers.  “It was much more than we, the Peterborough Butterfly Run committee and Partners in Pregnancy Clinic, could have ever imagined.  It was great to fell the fellowship, support, and comradery of the crowd, which is what the event has always been about.  No matter what format the event has taken, there are so many that support its mission.  For that we are very grateful.”

The top three fundraising teams were Team Benjamin Moffatt, Team Orangetheory Fitness and Team Jessica Dalliday.  The top 3 individual fundraisers were Cody Welton, Danielle Mac Lean and Lauren McDonald.  Also, a huge thank you to Mike Dalliday for agreeing to be the guest speaker at the event.  Mike shared with everyone the story of the loss of his wife Jessica and daughter Angeline, and how he, along with his 4-year-old daughter Rachel, have been managing since this devastating loss.   Everyone was very moved by his story and the hope that Mike was able to bring.  Thank you for sharing with us.

Funds raised at the event have been used to provide ongoing specialized education in Perinatal Bereavement Care to healthcare providers across Peterborough City and County, establish more than 10 lending libraries for individuals and their families located across Peterborough City and County, as well as the development of bereavement kits for families and individuals who experience early and later pregnancy loss and infant loss. Since 2018, more than 500 bereavement kits have been provided to families and individuals by health care providers in the community and at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).  

 If you would like to donate to support the Peterborough Butterfly Run, CLICK HERE and selecting Peterborough Butterfly Run from the drop down menu.  I can also still donate to a team page by visiting ItsYourRace HERE

For more information, please contact Vince Bierworth at Vince@GPHSF.ca or 705 740 8074 ext. 300.

Thank You to our 2023 Race Sponsors