Balloons in Dundas launch messages of love

White, pink, and blue balloons floated skyward as friends and families gathered recently at the Dundas Driving Park for a first-annual Balloon Release. Those who participated in the October 4th event were encouraged to write a note to a loved one who had passed, and then attach it to a balloon.

“A friend of mine inspired me. She lost her mother three years ago and every year she celebrates the anniversary of her death by launching a balloon with her own note and her own words. I asked her if she minded if I took it to a larger more communal level, and here we are,” said founder Sean Davis.

Cyclist Jonathan Spiegel was riding in the Driving Park and stopped to find out what was happening. “What I saw, and I heard and I felt … I saw these beautiful balloons, and I spoke to Sean Davis, and I felt that I wanted to be part of this,” said Spiegel.

Each attendee launched a balloon filled with helium into the sky, as a way to send a personal message to a loved one who had passed.

“My priorities a few months leading up to their deaths were elsewhere so I put on the balloon I’m sorry to Eric and my father Daniel Spiegel,” said Spiegel.

The first year was a success and Sean Davis hopes the event will grow.

“I think next year we’ll make it bigger and better and maybe get some more public involvement and some more sponsorship for such a great cause.”