IPPA LAUNCHES HAPPY FACES 2010 In Aid of CFAI In association with Canon

09 March 2010

People invited to have their portrait taken and help raise money for vital isolation facilities for people living with Cystic Fibrosis

It was all smiles as Ryan Tubridy officially launched IPPA Happy Faces 2010,  in association with Canon, which runs from April 1st - 18th in locations all over Ireland to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (CFAI).

IPPA Happy Faces is the annual fundraising project, now in its fifth year, organised by the Irish Professional Photographers Association (IPPA).  The fundraising this year is to assist the CFAI in providing isolation facilities for people living with Cystic Fibrosis in Ireland.  People young and old, are encouraged to visit their local IPPA photographer and have a professional portrait taken for just €25, where they will receive a mini portrait session and a desk portrait. 

All the photographers involved are providing their services free of charge and the monies raised will go towards the goal of raising €100,000 for much needed isolation facilities for people living with CF.  A selection of the ‘Happy Faces' photographed throughout the campaign will be featured in a 2011 calendar, with all proceeds from the sale of this going towards CFAI.

CF is Ireland's most common life threatening inherited disease.  Ireland has the highest prevalence of CF in the world, with 1 in 19 carrying the CF gene. Ireland also has the most severe strain of the CF gene in the developed world. Despite this, facilities for CF patients in our hospitals are below European standards.  Today people with CF can expect to live a near normal, full and productive life, provided that the correct facilities are in place, particularly isolation facilities, which IPPA Happy Faces 2010 is raising funds to improve.

Paddy Clarke, President of the IPPA commented, "IPPA Happy Faces marks the comradery and strong network of professionals within our association and we want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved and help raise funds for CF isolation facilities, whilst also enjoying the whole professional portrait experience!  We want to welcome Canon on board and to thank them for their support and commitment which has made our goal of raising €100,000 for  people living with CF in Ireland much more achievable."

Philip Watt, CEO of the CFAI stated: "CFAI are delighted to be the nominated charity for IPPA Happy Faces 2010 and we would like to thank the IPPA and Canon for all their support.  Not only will the activity provide desperately needed fundraising, but their support and commitment will help raise even more awareness about CF and why funds are so badly needed.  As well as this with the wide range of IPPA members throughout the country, Happy Faces 2010 is something that everyone can participate in, no matter where they live."

Jonathan Sultan, Marketing Manager, Canon Consumer Imaging stated "We are delighted to be involved in the IPPA Happy faces campaign.  At Canon, we produce award winning products to help unleash your creativity and to harness the power of image.  There's no better demonstrate the power of image than knowing that each smile in all the photographs taken during Happy Faces in April will make such a positive impact on someone else's life."

According to IPPA Happy Faces organisers, this is an opportunity to help a charity, have a fun experience, and create a lasting memory at the same time.  As well as studio shots, some IPPA members are setting up events at local shopping centres, hotels and clubs, and those interested in participating should check with their nearest IPPA member for more details. 

The photographers are encouraging everyone to participate; from grandparents to children and students, teenagers to corporations, and just about anyone who would like to capture a special moment and at the same time raise vital funds to help young people living with Cystic Fibrosis in Ireland.

For further information on IPPA Happy Faces 2010 in aid of CFAI and a full list of all participating photographers, log on to www.irishphotographers.com  For further information on Cystic Fibrosis, visit www.cfireland.ie.