What if you could help a family have a memorable holiday this year by giving them a gift they will cherish forever? They say a picture is worth a thousand words and in the case of a local nonprofit’s mission, the gift of love and support comes in a frame.
Help-Portrait Buffalo is a nonprofit organization that is part of a national mission of bringing hope to those in need with the gift of free, printed, and framed portraits. Jeremy Cooper helped launched the Buffalo chapter last year, bringing families in local organizations together such as Make-A-Wish WNY, Jericho Road Ministry, and the 716 Ministry for a day filled with smiles and joy. Refugee families were able to come to the event hosted at the Village Church and have their hair and makeup done to take a beautiful portrait with their loved ones.
“One refugee family had just come to America last year and never had their photo taken before this,” said Cooper. “I talked to a friend a few weeks ago and she said that the family is all settled into their new home and she walked into their house and the framed portrait that we took of them was hanging on their wall. It’s so amazing to hear that this has come full circle and that we were able to have a small part in giving this family hope and a lasting memory when they first arrived. It’s why we do what we do.”
And now Help-Portrait Buffalo is on a new mission this holiday season to bring lasting memories to cancer patients and their families at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. On Sunday, Dec. 16 volunteers will gather at the The Scott Bieler Clinical Sciences Center lobby with volunteers who will provide free portraits for those who attend, but they can’t do it without the community’s help.
“We need photographers, videographers, hairstylists, makeup artists, but mostly importantly we need people who want to make other people smile. We want to pair up every family with a volunteer who will help guide them through the process. It’s about building friendship and showing others you care,” explained Cooper.
If you would like to volunteer your services or time to this outstanding event, visit http://www.helpportraitbuffalo.com or email jeremy@helpportraitbuffalo.com for more information. You may also “Like” Help Portrait Buffalo on Facebook for continued updates.
