p.1 #1 · A day with Oviya at the Zoo with Children's Wish Foundation
Last Monday, Jessica and I had the chance and privilege of accompanying a little girl who was fulfilling her dream thanks to Children’s Wish Foundation: a trip to the Granby Zoo!
Last April, I had a booth and was exhibiting at a maternity/infant fair in Montreal. I met quite a few incredible people there, including a woman named Catherine who opened my eyes to the positive differences our profession can sometimes make in terrible situations. She said there was a need for volunteer photographers in many places. I admit I wasn’t aware. After the show, I made some calls, starting with Children’s Wish. The event coordinator said they did not usually send photographers with children who realized their dreams. When I asked why, she said it was mostly about resources. I was disappointed but insisted that my offer was still on the table and to call me should an opportunity arise. A month ago, an e-mail from the Children's Wish coordinator landed in my inbox with an offer to accompany a little 11 year old named Oviya who dreamed of seeing big animals. Took me about 10 secs to clear my schedule and say yes.
Oviya had a completely normal childhood until a couple of years ago when her MELAS syndrome appeared. On the iPad that follows her everywhere, her dad showed me photos of a luminous and smiling little girl. Her disease has now progressed to the point where she can no longer walk or speak, but she could still definitely connect with people, if even for a brief moment. Her iPad is filled with familiar photos and faces that reassure and bring her comfort. Delicia, a family friend who accompanied us and served as interpreter (Oviya and her dad mostly speak Tamil) explained to me they were mostly looking for photos of her and her dad as well as photos of animals. It was Oviya’s dad who organized the trip because he knew how Oviya wanted to see big animals again ever since they had left Sri Lanka. He is an exemplary dad who works nearly 50 hours a week and still manages to visit his daughter every day whilst raising two beautiful and healthy children at home. Wow does not begin to cover it. The entire day was a humbling and enlightening experience for which Jessica and I will be forever thankful. It’s incredibly clichéd to say things like “this experience changed us” but it has certainly left an indelible mark.
If your routine allows it, consider calling up your local Children's Wish or Make-A-Wish office to offer and donate your services. Worse that will happen is that they may say no, but you could create an opportunity for a family where there was none before. And it really does make a positive difference for them, families rarely have nice portraits beyond the selfphone or ipad selfies.
p.1 #14 · A day with Oviya at the Zoo with Children's Wish Foundation
Thank you for doing this for the family. Some great pictures that they will always treasure. I volunteered for a portrait shoot with a local camera club for people who could not afford to get professional portraits done at Christmas. Everything was free for them. One 8x10 and a frame to take away when they left. It was a wonderful experience that I will always remember.
p.1 #15 · A day with Oviya at the Zoo with Children's Wish Foundation
DaveOls wrote:
Thank you for doing this for the family. Some great pictures that they will always treasure. I volunteered for a portrait shoot with a local camera club for people who could not afford to get professional portraits done at Christmas. Everything was free for them. One 8x10 and a frame to take away when they left. It was a wonderful experience that I will always remember.
That's a really nice thing to do, especially around Christmas time.
p.1 #16 · A day with Oviya at the Zoo with Children's Wish Foundation
A beautiful set and deeply touching, Francis. I take back most of ...well, some of the things I said about you...
Great job. I'm inspired, my friend.
Chuck
....had to scroll back through before hitting Send Reply.
No. 14... the right hand capture... that has to be the best WTF look I've ever seen on a human or ape. I'm not sure I'll be able to resist hanging that one on my office wall. Please bill me accordingly.
