Winnipeg photographers donate portraits to homeless, join global movement
Local photographers organize Help Portrait, give less fortunate reasons to smile
Winnipeg, MB (December 9, 2011) — This Saturday, Winnipeg photographers are giving some families something that they may have never had before — a family portrait.
Founded by celebrity photographer, Jeremy Cowart, the Help Portrait movement is about photographers coming together and using their photography skills to give back to their communities.
On December 10, Help Portrait is asking photographers around the world to give those in need a reason to smile by taking their picture.
In Winnipeg, local photographers are setting up shop on the 4th floor of Siloam Mission from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“This is about giving the pictures, not taking them. These portraits are not for our portfolio, website, or for sale. Money isn’t involved here,” Ian McCausland, local Winnipeg photographer heading up the effort said.
Around Christmas time many families take Christmas portraits, something that is often out of reach for people on low or fixed incomes.
“We’re extremely excited to be able to bring this event to organizations, like Siloam, who do so much for people in need in our community,” McCausland said.
The Help Portrait movement began three years ago. Since then, photographers and volunteers have embraced the spirit of the movement by not taking photos, but by giving them away to those who need them the most.
In addition to Siloam, volunteer photographers will also be shooting at Agape Table and Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc in Win Gardner Place.
Some of the local photographers among the list of already 18 volunteers include Jon Adaskin, Jim Todd, Bob Tinker, Richard Ray, Jerry Grajewski and McCausland.
Guests of Siloam Mission will have the opportunity to get their portrait taken, have it printed right on the spot and then leave with it all free of charge.
Don’s Photo, Henry’s and MyMacDealer are donating the printing materials and providing the prints on site.
Worldwide, there will be approximately 1062 events spanning across 56 countries involving the help of over 12,600 volunteers to make it happen.
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For more information, please contact:
Ian McCausland
Photographer
talk@ian.ca
(204)783-4275
Mike Duerksen
Communications Coordinator, Siloam Mission
mike.duerksen@siloam.ca
(204) 228-6429
NOTE: A big thanks to volunteer writer Lindsey Enns who wrote this press release for us.
