ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
Butterfly Support Network exists to provide compassionate support and a sense of community for those affected by infertility, pregnancy loss, and infant loss. We honour the babies gone too soon, hold hope for the children to come, and raise awareness through community events and fundraising for local and provincial support programs.
OUR VISION
Experiencing loss on the journey to parenthood is a path that no one should walk alone.
WHO WE ARE
It is estimated that 1 in 4 women will experience miscarriage or pregnancy loss (also known as perinatal loss) and 1 in 6 Canadians experience infertility.
The Butterfly Support Network is a registered non-profit organization that provides integrated support, resources, and community for all people who have experienced unimaginable loss during the journey to parenthood. We provide support and resources for families on the path to healing, and hope to empower them to share their stories. No one is alone on this journey.
THE BUTTERFLY
The Butterfly was chosen as a symbol of transformation, spirit, and the unending cycle of life and death. The metamorphosis of the butterfly is a powerful symbol in so many ways for those who are grieving: they are the beautiful spark of life that came to us and lighted our lives for just a moment before fluttering away. They are the hope that loss brings transformation and results in something new. We are not the same through this journey; with every step, we are growing.
Our first logo of "Butterfly Feet" (2019 and 2020) was created by Amberlea Williams of Hereness and Thereness for Butterfly Run Ottawa. It was inspired by the footprints of Aaron Samulack who spent 100 precious minutes with his family after birth.
Our second logo (updated 2021) was created by Brian Liu from BLIU Creative.
OUR STORY
After the loss of her son Wilder in 2017, Kimberly Lockhart began searching for a sense of community. She discovered that Vancouver did not have a memorial walk for infertility and pregnancy loss. Kimberly knew there was a need to raise awareness and she desired to bring families together to connect and support one another. Kimberly contacted BC Women's Health Foundation.. She was put in contact with Emily Cordonier working for Butterfly Run Ottawa, a run to support those experiencing pregnancy loss in Ottawa. Butterfly Run Ottawa agreed to provide the advice and support that Kimberly needed to get the event planning started in Vancouver. Many thanks to organizers of The Butterfly Run Ottawa for their ongoing guidance and support!
Soon after the planning began, Kimberly shared the idea with friends who had also experienced the pain of pregnancy and infant loss. From there, a group of volunteers formed to organize the first Butterfly Run Vancouver on Saturday October 5th, 2019 along South False Creek Seawall.
The Inaugural Butterfly Run Vancouver 2019 was wildly successful - surpassing both attendance and fundraising goals. The continuing success of the Butterfly Run Vancouver gives evidence to the many individuals that are deeply impacted by pregnancy and infant loss in the Vancouver and British Columbia communities
