Over a dozen students got the experience of a lifetime as they were treated to a mini makeover and photo shoot at Jean Vanier School in Regina.
The Help-Portrait event provided free professional-grade portrait services to students and their families on Saturday.
Jean Vanier School principal Rolande Burant-Maher said family portraits can be a challenge for families with children with special needs.
The school serves a very specific group of students with complex medical needs.
“Our families find it really challenging to go out in the community, to participate in things. Maybe they don’t have the resources financially, maybe they don’t have a wheelchair accessible vehicle, etc,” Burant-Maher said.
“The lives of the families we serve are very busy. They can be physically challenging… They don’t get out to have those opportunities, to get their hair done and to focus on themselves,” she said.
“In the end, they’ll have a picture that they can be proud of, that they feel good about.”
Kelvin Randall attended the event with his wife and two of his daughters. His daughters, Emma and Natalie, were both born with Down syndrome.
He said it can be a challenge some days, but Saturday was a day the family will forever cherish.
“It’s a real special day for the kids. They get their hair done. They get their makeup done and get a family portrait done at the same time… and before Christmas, it’s really nice,” Randall said.
“To us, it’s the memories and seeing how everyone’s getting together and helping out.”
The total value of all the services combined could cost a family thousands of dollars, but through the event, families didn’t have to pay a penny.
Photographer Peter Scoular was among the dozens of volunteers who donated his time. He said it’s part of his core values — to give a little back to the community.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to provide that, an image, provide something that is long lasting and positive and a loving memory,” Scoular said.
The photographs were edited and printed on site for families to take home.
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