[Members] Christmas for a Young Photographer who Lost Everything

[John Wynn]

Dear Members of ODCC, 

You probably all heard of the recent fire in Brechin, in which a family lost everything, including their three family dogs. The father had been working just outside with the son, and the two were going back and forth into the house (which they rented) to get tools, etc. Two daughters were tired and had gone to bed with the dogs upstairs, and mother and another daughter had run out to get some bottled water. When the father realized the house was on fire, he ran inside and rescued the girls upstairs, and he tried to get the dogs as well, but they just ran back up, and he barely got out. Anyway, I know this family, and the 16 year old daughter is an aspiring photographer. She had a point and shoot, but faithfully backed up her photos--on a hard drive that was lost in the fire, along with her camera and all prints. She works hard at school, and has won some awards in things academic. This is not a family with a lot of money, but the kids seem to be learning a good work ethic.

So, here is what I am thinking. If members of the ODCC could contribute $20 or so each, we could purchase a camera for her. Right now, Canon has a special deal on refurbished Rebel t4i cameras, with a kit for $399:

 http://estore.canon.ca/shop/en-CA/catalog/cameras/eos-cameras/EOSRebelT4i-withEF-S18-55mmISIIKit-Refurbished#.VJHGDSvF98E

That's a pretty sweet deal, and shipping is free. I know the community has been very supportive of this family, and that is great, but I think it would be pretty wonderful if the local camera club reached out and provided a special gift for this girl. The mother told me that the kids are still in shock over it, and have asked her if they could not have Christmas this year, the hardest part being that they have lost their dear dogs. 

If there is enough support for this, I will order the camera and pay for it, fully confident that the members will certainly honour their pledges in timely manner. There would be tax on the kit, and if there were still some money, I would use it to get her lens pens or other small items that would be needed. If we miss this deal, I would quickly search for another to put members' contributions to best possible purchase for this.

Thank you for taking the time out of a busy season to consider this. If you are able to and would like to contribute, please let me know ASAP at this email (lyndajchan at gmail.com) or my phone 705-331-4964 (I don't have call display though). I am guessing you could also let John know, but if you are able to get in contact directly with me, I can order more quickly to get this snowball rolling. I don't want to pressure you, and I don't think I need to say anything much, because you already know what this would mean to a young girl like this, especially at Christmas.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas,
Lynda J. Chan


Lynda J Chan Photography





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John Wynn (President/Logistics)
ODCC (Orillia & District Camera Club)
john.wynn at sympatico.ca
705-325-8038
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