East-end photographer offers free portraits to less fortunate

“It’s been quite the response,” says Jean Labelle, who first heard about the initiative by viewing a video online. “Watching it grow on some of the web sites, it’s just gone worldwide with 5,000 user groups taking part.”

The idea behind Help-Portrait is for people who for whatever reason – finances, isolation or illness – have never had the opportunity to have a professional portrait.

The official worldwide Help-Portrait day is Dec. 12, but Labelle got started early out of necessity because they knew 11-year-old Heather Mankala didn’t have much time left. Labelle says the Sept. 8 photo shoot of the girl who passed away from cystic fibrosis not long after touched him like none other.

“Her mother was completely overwhelmed,” says Labelle, who completed the session at Roger’s House. “It was an incredible experience.”

Labelle has assembled a group of 35 photographers, makeup artists and hairstylists from across the National Capital region to help out.

They’ve booked sessions at community centres and are trying to set a date to visit the Madonna Nursing Home and local hospitals.

Labelle also hopes to find a printing sponsor since the group is footing the bill at the moment.

For more information, contact Labelle at 613-797-0527 or jean@labellephoto.com or visit help-portrait.com