Cornwall Ontario — Five organizations in the City of Cornwall have joined forces to offer free Family Photos and Photos with Santa this coming Sunday, December 21st at the Royal Canadian Legion.  Local photographer and Seeker Contributor Carol Grant has offered to provide the photos free of charge and 4×6 prints will be available to take home on-site.  The Agape Center families will be officially invited by the Agape Center but the event is also open to other local families who would like to have a free photo of their family or their children with Santa.

“Many families in Cornwall cannot afford a professional family photo or to pay for their child’s photo at the local mall even if the cost is minimal. At this time of year, some families are very hard hit and even though these services can be offered at an affordable price, when you’re suffering from poverty, every penny counts and many of the families right here in our own community cannot afford to even spend $10 or $20 on a photo.  I have heard this from many families and would like to give back to my community by offering those in need a free photo with their family as well as a one free photo with Santa” says Grant.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297 has offered their hall free of charge from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the families to gather and have their photos taken.  A backdrop area will be setup for the family photos and Santa will, of course, be on-hand for the children to pose with as well if they would like.  There could be many families in attendance so families should come prepared to expect a small wait time if attendance is large.  The process should take approximately 10 minutes per family.

Staples Business Depot has donated some of the printing materials to ensure that each family receives one 4×6 printout of their family photo and one photo with Santa per family to take home within 10 minutes of their photo shoot.

Bridal’s Dream has donated the beautiful chair that Santa will pose with and Santa will also be donating his time.

“We have such a giving and generous community here in Cornwall and I am so proud to be a part of this City!” says Grant.

While not a requirement for the free photo, for those who are able to donate, a collection area will be setup for non-perishable items to be collected on behalf of the Agape Center.