Two top local photographers have joined forces to spearhead a unique fundraising event which will benefit a local charity.
Gerry O’Gorman of the Lane Studios and Neil Warner of Warner Corporate Photography - both former Galway Advertiser photographers and members of the Irish Professional Photographers’ Association - are organising Happy Faces Day on St Patrick’s weekend in association with the Galway branch of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland.
They are being backed by local media organisations the Galway Advertiser and Galway bay fm.
People of any age are invited to go along to the stage area of the Eyre Square Centre on Friday and Saturday March 18 and 19 from 11am to 6pm and have a professional portrait taken for €25. An appointment is not necessary but is advised due to the interest in the event. To book telephone the Lane Studios at (091 ) 567938.
The photographers are providing their services free and all the money raised will go to the CF association. Happy Faces is a nationwide fundraiser by the IPPA in association with Canon which aims to raise €100,000 for much needed isolation facilities throughout Ireland for people with CF. To date, more than 65 photographers throughout the country have registered to take part.
Mr O’Gorman, a well known social photographer who is originally from Wellpark and is based at Church Lane, says both he and Mr Warner were keen to get involved with the fundraiser because they knew people with cystic fibrosis.
“Happy Faces is in aid of such a good cause that we were more than glad to give our services free,” he says. “The idea behind the event is to show a different side of life. We all need a lift and we are asking people to come along, have a bit of fun and show off their happy face. People will get a chance to smile and help a deserving charity.
“In the days that are in it people need to smile. Anyone, from 0 to 100, can have their photograph taken. We are especially urging people who have never had a professional photograph taken to come to the event. People can make an appointment or just walk in. We promise everybody a memorable time. Later, they have the experience of coming down to the studio to choose the photograph they want.”
Mr Warner, who is from St Mary’s Road, says photographs are important ways of capturing moments. With the availability of digital cameras and mobile phones photographs are not being developed and held as records for future generations.s
The fundraiser has generated a lot of interest so far and large numbers of people are expected, he says.
“People can expect the high standards of the Lane Studios and Neil Warner Corporate Photography. Professional photography is probably the best job in the world so it’s nice to be able to put something back. This job brought me all around the world, it is nice to do something for Galway.
“We are urging people to seize the moment, to share a bit of fun. So few people have had a professional photograph taken. This will be their opportunity to do so and help the Cystic Fibrosis Association.”
Mary Lane Heneghan, the chairperson of the Galway Branch of the association, explains that cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder of the lungs and digestive system, affecting about 1,200 people in Ireland, 52 per cent of whom are adults. It affects more than 60 people in Galway.
CF is Ireland’s most common life threatening inherited disease. Ireland has the highest prevalence of the condition in the world with one in 19 carrying the CF gene.
Ms Lane Heneghan says the association aims to improve facilities and resources for people with CF in Galway.
“Cross infection has been identified as a serious threat to people with CF. To address this our association works closely with University Hospital Galway management and the CF association and since 2009 have three en-suite rooms for adults in St Anthony’s Ward.
“The money being raised from Happy Faces will go towards improving local facilities. We need more en-suite room and equipment at UHG.”
She is appealing for volunteers to help with the Happy Faces fundraiser by distributing leaflets about the event and promoting CF awareness. Telephone Marie at (086 ) 8178552 or Simone at (087 ) 2994736 for further details.
