There are many things people take for granted around Christmas time. One of those things can be a family portrait, with many families being unable to afford one. That is the inspiration behind Help Portrait, running at SIGN on Broadway on December 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This is a worldwide event, says Jenna Niebergall-Kuntz, organizer of the Yorkton event. There have been successful Help Portrait events in Saskatoon and Regina already, and she says bringing it to the city was born out of a desire to replicate that success here.
“Our aim is to grow it every year, until it’s a really big, well known event in Yorkton every December.”
As family portraits get more common, and people get them done more frequently, it has become something people take for granted, Niebergall-Kuntz says, but many families have never had it done.
“It’s Christmas time, everyone wants to do something good and give back to the community, so what an awesome way to do something. It takes a small amount of time and it’s not a huge cost, but it gives something to someone that is pretty memorable and pretty special that they can cherish for a long time.”
During the day, there will be several stations for families to get portraits. With this the first year of the event, Niebergall-Kuntz says she does not know what to expect, but that she hopes to provide photos to as many families as they can. Each family gets one photo, edited, printed and delivered.
“If you have five families and five photos get done, it’s still a success.”
The photographers themselves are strictly volunteer, with all ranges of skill levels being welcome to take photos over the day. Niebergall-Kuntz says that volunteering can also be an educational experience, as more experienced photographers can teach others.
People who don’t want to be behind the camera can also help, she notes, whether that means donating equipment, backdrops and props, or people volunteering to edit photos, doing hair and make-up, or doing other jobs through the day.
The families themselves need to bring nothing but themselves, and Niebergall-Kuntz says they’re open to whatever people want.
“If it’s something that you need and it’s something that you can’t afford for your family, you meet all of the criteria.”
The event is presented with the Yorkton Family Resource Centre. Niebergall-Kuntz says that the partnership is a great one because of their goal for the event.
“We want it to be a family event. Santa’s going to be there, we want to make sure there are refreshments and snacks while you wait... While they’re waiting they can hang out in the Family Resource Centre, they can hang out with families, there are family activities there and it’s an awesome place.”
Those interested in getting involved can call Niebergall-Kuntz at 306-570-1003.
