Cornwall Ontario — On Sunday photographers Carol Grant and John Lister created some holiday cheer offering free Christmas photos. The event which took place Sunday after noon at the Royal Canadian Legion was sponsored by five organizations.

“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.

Marlene Baker of Positively Marlene and John (Johnny Radar) Lister were happy to contribute to the event. “John and I loved being a part of this wonderful gesture of taking Free Family & Santa Photos that Carol had wanted to do for the community. ” said Marlene, “Kudos to you girl. We look forward to doing this again next year.”

The Seeker would like to congratulate Ms. Grant on her initiative.

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 had donated the beautiful chair that Santa posed in.

“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.

People also had the opportunity to donate money and non perishable food to the Agape Centre.

Carol Grant says, “I am so very pleased at today’s turnout of the free family photo and photo With Santa. A big tahnk you goes out to Santa, Royal Canadian Legion, Fashionography, John Lister Photography, Bridal’s Dream & Honeymoon Suite, Staples, Marlene Baker, John Lister, Robin Duperron, Jocelyne Tremblay, Kevin Brisson and Alyssa Blais for partnering and joining forces to make this happen and for making my idea come to life. There were some donations of non-perishable food and money for the The Agape Centre, some music for the children to keep entertained but most of all the best part of it all was seeing the smiles on the faces of everyone, young & old alike. There is no price tag on giving back and helping others and it just feels so good to have been a part of it all. Thank you to all the families that came out and had their photos taken. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and hope you enjoyed the experience and are pleased with your photos.”