Butterfly Brushes is back with another event to raise money for 100 Mile Hospice Programs.
The painting event — where participants are guided through a series of steps to create their own acrylic masterpiece, all while having access to tasty food by ABO catering and wine — has seen enormous success in recent years, with the last event in March selling out.
Participants will learn to paint with artist Debra Osborne, who has her own personal connection to the 100 Mile District Palliative Care Society.
When Osborne’s late husband, Chester Zaplotynsky, was dealing with a terminal cancer diagnosis, Osborne got in touch with the society.
They began to help Osborne and her husband, sending people to watch hockey games with Zaplotynsky, helping with supplies for his pain and giving Osborne some relief.
“It didn’t cost me a penny, but it gave me such a breather. Relieving that burden for two or three hours made such a difference,” she says.
“It was so nice to have that breathing space because when you’re at home, I was so worried about him.”
After he died, the hospice continued to call Osborne to check in with her.
“It was like an old friend. They understand your life and what you’ve gone through.”
It’s important for people to have people who know what they are going through, says Palliative Care Society Board Director Val Clemont.
“There is a light at the end of the tunnel, the loss is huge, the pain is excruciating, but there is somebody there.”
The money raised by the Butterfly Brushes event will go to programs like this run by the 100 Mile Hospice.
The event is on Monday, May 29 in a boardroom at the South Cariboo Business Centre at 475 Birch Ave. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at Donex Pharmacy or Whimsey Gifts while supplies last.
