History

An idea in the making

A group of parents and professionals from the Outaouais area gathered in 2019 to discuss solutions addressing the unmet needs for pediatric respite and palliative care in the region. The idea of Butterfly House Children and Families was born that day.

Determined to help fill the care gap, the founding members of Butterfly House committed to build and operate in the Outaouais a pediatric palliative care home providing 8 rooms including 2 family suits for end-of-live care.

A community effort for an innovative project

What we have accomplished since 2019:

  • Research about pediatric services and needs in the Outaouais; preliminary meetings with key collaborators and partners (Sept. 2019-May 2020)
  • Visit to 5 pediatric palliative care homes throughout Canada for knowledge exchange about the value add of these institutions in the healthcare continuum (Sept. 2019)
  • Incorporation of Butterfly House Children and Families through the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (nonprofit status confirmed on July 29, 2020)
  • Logo design and reservation of website domain (July 2020)
  • Meeting with pediatricians of CISSS de l’Outaouais; obtained statistics on the number of children and families potentially benefitting from services provided by the hospice (Sept. 2020)
  • Surveyed parents (through pediatricians) to confirm appropriateness of planned care and services. Project idea was received with great enthusiasm by pediatricians and parents. Help and support provided by Dr. Gaëtan were critical for reaching out to parents and the pediatric community! (Nov.-Dec. 2020)
  • Donation of 4-acres of land by the water by the municipality of Cantley for the construction of the Home confirmed (Council resolution of March 9, 2021)
  • First grant received, allowing us to finalize our business plan, and more
  • Worked with NB Communication to complete business plan for submission to MSSS (March 2021)
  • Worked with law firm Miller Thomson LLP to assist with applying for charitable status (application submitted to CRA on April 28, 2021)
  • Inaugural board of directors confirmed (May 2021)
  • Approval of charitable status—charitable registration number: 77340 8547 RR0001 (July 21, 2021)
  • Business plan and letters of support submitted to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (October 7, 2021)
  • Approval from the MSSS of the establishment of Butterfly House in Cantley (January 28, 2022)
  • Launched a pre-campaign study conducted by BNP Philanthropic Performance (June 2022)
  • Received our first large donation of $100,000 (September 2022)
  • Fundraising Campaign Cabinet confirmed (November 2023)
  • Welcomed first Project Manager – Josianne T Lavoie (May 13, 2024)
  • Launched major fundraising campaign (October 10, 2024)