TLC4CF joins forces with IPPA to Launch Happy Faces 2010

29 March 2010

Four Limerick photographers are pleased to announce their involvement with IPPA Happy Faces 2010. IPPA Happy Faces 2010, in association with Canon 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 in hospitals 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. 

Limerick photographers Paul Dorrell, John McGarry, Peter O'Donnell, and  Niall Egleston, are working closely with TLC4CF, a fundraising initiative formed by the Tipperary, Limerick and Clare branches of the CFAI to help improve services, facilities and in turn improve lives for all people living with CF in the Mid West Region.

The photographers are providing their services free of charge and funds raised by the Limerick IPPA Happy Faces events during April, will go towards improving facilities in the Mid Western Regional Hospital for people living with Cystic Fibrosis in Limerick, Tipperary and Clare.

The four Limerick photographers are taking bookings in their studios for IPPA Happy Faces shoots on the following dates and contact numbers:

• Paul Dorrell, Annacotty - 6/7/8th April. Book on 086 827 5951 or 061 335796
• Niall Egleston, O'Connell Avenue - 9th & 16th April. Book on 061 413886
• John McGarry, Patrickswell - 3/4th April. Book on 061 910118 or 086 340 8209
• Peter O'Donnell, Lisnagry - 1st to 18th April. Book on 061 219836

As well organising their own individual events, the Limerick IPPA Members are setting up a "photographic studio" in Harvey Norman, City East Retail Park, Limerick on Sunday 11th April from 12pm to 6pm.  There will be 2 photographers in house that day so there is no need for booking an appointment, just come along and support this worthy cause and have a bit of fun.

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 types of CF in the world. Despite this, Ireland has the poorest resources for CF patients in Europe.  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 in hospitals, 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."

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."

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."

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.  The Limerick 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 the mid west region.

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.