- I will continue to take risks and embrace failure as a sign that I tried. Further to that, I will be bolder in making big decisions. 

- I will learn something new (oohhh.. I am excited about this one, as the wheels,okay two sets of wheels, are already in motion.)  

- I will find a new way to make a difference. 

I don't know if it counts as cheating if the third point as already been started. As part of my Ten Years of Celebration I called for nominations for a charity that would benefit from professional photography. For five years I have been very active in helping Y.A.N.A. share the stories behind their efforts and I feel that I have room to do the same for another charity. 

I thank everyone who nominated a charity. One however jumped out. Not only was it nominated three times, however, it is something that strikes a chord for me and my family. 

I am excited to announce that I have chosen Dawn to Dawn, Action on Homeless Society. 

For many years I lived on the outskirts of the Downtown Vancouver Eastside. Many of my friends chose to work in the assistat living facilities in the area. They were working with a wide spectrum of needs, dealing with drug addiction, to abuse, to helping those fighting the final stages of AIDS live with dignity. They were helping those that could  transition to a better life, and providing support to those that wouldn't. No matter the direction, I was moved by what a difference their kindness could make. From what I know of the those involved in Dawn to Dawn, their heart is right there - not making assumptions, not discriminating, just helping. 

I have always lived by the philosophy, never say never, and always do unto others as you wish them to do unto you. I see someone on the street and I know they have a story, people they love and those whose lives they have left their footprints on. They could be me. I could be them. 

My family was strongly behind the choice of Dawn to Dawn. My daughters have recently become more aware of the homeless and some of their school peers whose parents struggle to provide a lunch for them every day. Two of our daughters has even recently begun campaigning to spend a few days on the street and see what it feels like. Another daughter has been strongly asserting a desire to help at the Food Bank. I look forward to further breaking down the barriers between them, and those whose lives have taken a different path.

I don't know what my work with Dawn to Dawn will result in or  what direction it will take. However I am so honored to find out. 

Of the three nominations for this charity I thought I would share this one. 

 

Respect, dignity, warmth, shelter, health... these aren't the items that you would find on a typical Christmas wish list.  These words shouldn't express wishes at all... these words describe basic human need.  There are people in our own community who find these basic human needs out of reach.  Homelessness lives right here in our community.  Dawn to Dawn was created to address the needs of the homeless population in the Comox Valley.  Dawn to Dawn offers two services; a residential program that provides accommodation in market housing and a mobile medical clinic that that offers care to those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness in the Comox Valley.  A total of 33 volunteers: 13 nurses, 5 doctors, 3 dentists, 2 pharmacists and 1 optometrist donate their professional skills side by side with a group of dedicated volunteer outreach drivers.

After discussion with Helen Boyd from Dawn to Dawn I respectfully submit Dawn to Dawn as a nominee for the Christmas Charity promotion through McKinnon Photography.  I think that there is immense value in giving a face to homelessness in our community.  I would like to see Karen work together with this compassionate group of volunteers to help bring an element of realism to the issue of homelessness in the Comox Valley.  Homelessness isn't a glamorous issue...but it is a very real issue.  It is a very worthy issue... because there is worth in every life.  It is an issue that touches the lives of a very vulnerable population.  I believe that all people have a story, a history, a past and I believe that it is important to embrace the opportunity to offer a hand up towards a future to those who need it most.  I believe that Dawn to Dawn has identified a need and they are a charity in action.  Dawn to Dawn is 'doing' in our community.  If selected, Dawn to Dawn would like to work with Karen to respectfully share the story of homelessness in the Comox Valley while preserving the anonymity of the population they serve.

"These people are our sisters and our brothers. The right thing to do is to help them reclaim their lives and their autonomy. There is so much left to be done in regards to the issue of homelessness in our community. Photography is a strong medium that bares witness in a very privileged manner to our universal need to be seen and heard." (Helen Boyd - Coordinator CARE-A-VAN Program Dawn to Dawn: Action on Homelessness Society)

Submitted by: A.B.

I am thankful. Everyday. I live a life of abundance, something many of us are aware of this time of year. This year though, I am thinking about you. You all play with me. You choose me to photograph what you love. You comment on my facebook page, you smile and say hello , your emails lift me up on down days. You are the web that allows me to grow, create, stretch and have meaning in my work. 

As I wrap up  Celebrating Ten years of photographing in what I am sure is one of the kindest communities in Canada (just try telling me otherwise,)  I can tell you that if the next ten bring me the interactions, the lessons and the laughter this one has I will double over with joy. With it will undoubtedly be the continued challenges, road-blocks, questions and self-doubt the last ten years has see me face and for that I will continue to be a better and wiser person.  I will continue to make decisions based on meaning and fun, and promise to always carry heart with my camera.

This town, this community, I love you. 

A significant part of what gives my work meaning is collaborating and supporting charity work.  It humbles me, it teaches me, it fills me up and hopefully passes some of that on. For the last ten years I have had the chance to work with numerous organizations as well as quietly give to individuals who needed a little something special.

Your support of my business has allowed me to make meaningful contribution to our community and live a life full of passion, while roll modelling for my children that both are possible.. The special events I have held monthly this year and the 12 Days of Christmas is just a small way for me to say thank you. 

Introducing Day 12, where my heart lies:

I am currently enjoying a little get-away with my mom and daughter in Victoria. I am so thankful to have a job, a laptop, I-phone, and my lovely office manager Christine - all these things make it possible for me to travel and stay on top of work and life! 

It seemed slightly insane to leave the office for a few days right before the holidays, but sometimes the things that seem a little crazy are exactly what you need. This time of year is very busy for me at work and home and now after a few days away, and some time with my mama (you are never too old to need this,) I am full of zest to head home and jump back into life and work with buckets of energy. We have had a wonderful few days here and I am thinking I will do a post about it, I come to Victoria often, but rarely with a tourist hat, as I did this time. 

Here is the 11th day. I feel excited to announce all the information for tomorow, day 12, The charity give away, but also a little sad to see the 12 days finish off, it has been super fun! 

Love the 10th day... this should make three special families very happy. I think this would be so sweet to put under the tree for an expecting mom or a family celebrating their new arrival!

Please email info@mckinnonphotography.com if you would like to be one of the two who receive this gift!