Butterfly Run 琉璃神社 is helping bereaved mothers set aside time to honour the little ones they lost with a brunch and petal ceremony a week ahead of Mother's Day. 

Community Connector Courtney Hiller is inviting mothers who have faced infertility, pregnancy loss, and infant loss to join her at Oak and Cru on Sunday, May 4 for the Bereaved Mother's Day Brunch. 

"When a mother goes through loss there's not necessarily times to be celebrated or to put specific moments aside to honour their babies, and even if you weren't able to hold your baby in your arms, you're still a mother," Hiller said. "So, this gives everyone an opportunity to come together with individuals who have experienced similar heartbreak."

The brunch seating is reserved for 11 a.m. at the restaurant inside the Delta Hotel.

"Last year we were so blessed," added Hiller. "They gave us a private patio and they really took care of us in the sense of making it private and without disruption."

Following the meal will be a petal ceremony inspired by Instagram user .

"What takes place every year in Vancouver is that bereaved parents and friends come together and write baby's names on rose petals and they're released into the Fraser River," said Hiller. 

Hiller knows the heartbreak first hand as a bereaved mom to Luca and will be writing her son's name on one of the petals.

"I lost my son in 2021... If I could share anything it would be that finding the Butterfly Run has transformed my healing and my grief journey. I've been so blessed to find other women through the Butterfly Run that have been incredible supports, not just in the early stages of grief, but the ongoing."

Preparations for the ceremony will start at 1:30 p.m. with a short walk to the water at 1:45 p.m. to release the petals into Okanagan Lake. 

Spots for brunch can be reserved online through .