By Lisa Parent

“The Butterfly Lady” spreads joy by handing out crocheted butterflies to strangers

Jul 21, 2023 | 5:12 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A local woman has been nicknamed “the butterfly lady” by Hatters. She’s known for strolling around the city and handing out free crocheted butterflies to spread joy.

Over the past nine years, Joanne Perron has made well over 10,000 butterflies. Some of the butterflies have magnets to stick to a fridge, and others are “petting butterflies,” used to relieve stress. She started making them for family members after her mother passed away, as a way to remember her. However, she quickly realized the positive impact the tokens had, and began giving them to strangers to spread kindness.

As seen in a Facebook post, locals shared their experience receiving a butterfly from Perron. Some comments said the butterflies help their children with sensory issues, and others said the gesture simply brightened their day.

Courtesy Medicine Hat and area Roast and Toast!

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“It’s so much nicer when you see people smiling. That’s one of my big rewards, is watching these people smile when they don’t get a chance to sometimes,” said Perron.

She added, “I’m retired, and I’ve always been a caregiver, and it just seems like something I should be doing to help other people. It’s just a minor thing, but we’ve got to start someplace, and a butterfly’s a good place to start.”

Perron encourages others to spread kindness too, even if it’s just with a smile. If you see her around town, you may just receive a butterfly of your own.