IPPA LAUNCHES HAPPY FACES DAY 2011 IN AID OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS

17 February 2011

IPPA Happy Faces is an annual fundraising project, now in its sixth year,,organised by the Irish Professional Photographers Association (IPPA).  For the second year in a row, the organisation has chosen CFAI as their charity of choice for Happy Faces Day 2011. Last year, the IPPA succeeded in raising €55,000 for CFAI, which went directly towards providing vital isolation facilities in hospitals for people living with Cystic Fibrosis in Ireland.

 

On Saturday March 12th, people of all ages throughout the country are invited to visit their local IPPA photographer and have a professional portrait taken for just €25, where, in return, they will receive a mini portrait session and a desk portrait.  In further support of Happy Faces Day 2011, Select Hotels of Ireland have offered their venues throughout Ireland to local IPPA photographers, where many of them will base their studio on the day of the event.

 

All the portrait photos taken on Happy Faces Day will be judged. The photographer of the winning portrait will receive a Canon EOS 5D Mark II professional camera worth over €2100. The member of the public profiled in the winning portrait will win a Canon IXUS Camera. In addition, everyone that comes along on the day will be entered into a draw to win one of several weekend breaks at any Select Hotel of their choice.

 

To date over 50 photographers throughout the country have registered to take part with more expected to sign up in the coming days. A full list of all photographers and venues can be found at www.irishphotographers.com.

 

All IPPA photographers involved are providing their services free of charge and the monies raised will go towards the ultimate goal of raising €100,000 for much needed isolation facilities in hospitals throughout Ireland for people living with CF. 

 

Cystic Fibrosis 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 in hospitals, which IPPA Happy Faces Day 2011 is raising funds to improve.

 

Gareth Byrne, President of the IPPA commented " The Irish Professional Photographers Association is delighted to announce the launch of IPPA Happy Faces 2011 in association with Canon. Happy Faces is a great opportunity for members of the public to help the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and experience having their portrait taken by a professional photographer..Happy Faces has become an integral part of many of our members’'calendars over the last five years and we greatly look forward to working with CFAI and Canon this year".

 

Philip Watt, CEO of the CFAI stated: "CFAI are delighted to be selected as the chosen charity for IPPA Happy Faces for the second year running and I would like to express our deepest thanks to the IPPA Canon and Select Hotels of Ireland for all of their support. Not only will the funds raised help us in our goal to provide more isolation facilities in Irish hospitals for people with CF, but the event will also continue to raise awareness about the disease and why we depend so much on the generosity of the Irish people. Everyone who takes part in IPPA Happy Faces on March 12 will be playing a major part in helping the CFAI achieve its goals.

 

 Commenting on their sponsorship of the event Jonothan Sultan, Marketing Manager, Canon Consumer Imaging said, "We are delighted to be involved in the IPPA Happy faces campaign again for 2011. At Canon, we produce award winning products to help unleash your creativity and to harness the power of image.  There's no better manner in which to demonstrate the power of an 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 and events taking place in camera retailers, Select hotels throughout Ireland, some IPPA members are setting up events at local shopping centres and clubs, and those interested in participating should check with their nearest IPPA member for more details.  A full list of all photographers and venues can be found at www.irishphotographers.com.

 

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