Light rain didn’t stop hundreds from participating in the first annual Butterfly Run in Belleville Sunday. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News).
The first annual Butterfly Run was a huge success today (Sunday) in Belleville.
The run is a fundraiser to help mothers and their families deal with the loss of an infant at birth or a young child.
The organizers and mothers themselves, Beth Primeau, Loralee McInroy, and Barb Matteucci, were overwhelmed by the support from the community.
Almost 600 runners registered and most of them showed up in Jane Forrester Park for the event in a steady rain.
Over $58,000 was raised and donations were still coming in.
The organizers had expected fewer than one hundred runners and didn’t think any more than $5000 would be raised.
Beth Primeau said the event obviously touched a nerve with people, adding that one out of four women will suffer a loss during or soon after childbirth so most families have been affected in one way or another.
Money raised will be forwarded to the Belleville General Hospital Pediatric Bereavement Fund where it will be invested in special kits for mothers and special training for staff.
