Judy Chancellor joined the newly formed President’s Auxiliary of the Deafness Foundation in 1994 with great enthusiasm and artistic ability.

Little did she realise that her volunteer involvement would expand over many years, see her labelled as ‘Butterfly Lady’ and provide such an amazing way to support the Deafness Foundation’s fundraising income.

Judy was amazed to learn that butterflies were deaf and thought that the butterfly would be an ideal logo for the Deafness Foundation because butterflies are beautiful, admired and above all communicate. To her, the butterfly was a beautiful and powerful symbol of change that could raise awareness. Judy took her concept further and designed a butterfly badge to be worn in a lapel or on a hat. Judy and the President’s Auxiliary realised that this would be a wonderful way to raise awareness in the community about deafness and hearing loss and also provide fundraising income for the Foundation.

Deafness Foundation supported Judy’s concept and each year, for over 10 years, Judy set about designing new styles and colours of butterfly badges which were then sold through a variety of outlets across Australia.

Judy’s excitement about new badges was very contagious and quickly spread to everyone she came in contact with. Judy spent her leisure time selling butterfly badges and quickly became aware of what colours sell well and who the main purchasers were. She managed the very successful campaign for many years. It remains to this day the major source of income for the Foundation’s financial grants program.

Judy retired from the design of the butterfly badges in 2006 but still maintains an active interest in each year’s selection.

The butterfly badges have become a “collectors item” for many people and the new designs are eagerly awaited each year. The lovely and collectable jewelled enamel badges are very much like the butterfly – rare and only here for a short time.

The action of one person, Judy Chancellor, has made a huge difference to the success of the Deafness Foundation’s fundraising initiatives.

The Foundation has now added a butterfly keyring to the selection of items for sale. Proceeds from the sale of butterfly badges and keyrings go directly towards funding projects that support the deaf and hard of hearing in the areas of research, prevention, education, technology and early detection.

The Foundation is very grateful to Judy for her vision, passion and enormous dedication to the success of the Butterfly Badge Campaign.

For further information about the Deafness Foundation and butterfly badges and keyrings, please phone (03) 9738 2909.