The Most Amazing Day!!!!

A few months ago, I started to think about how I would give back to the community with this new little business of mine. I thought, wouldn't it be great if I could provide my services for free, to those who would appreciate it most. That's when I contacted Gillians Place, (formerly known as Women’s Place St. Catharines & North Niagara). Gillians Place is dedicated to the creation of safety, shelter and support of abused women and their children and to community understanding of the issues of violence against women. My hopes were to give this gift in an attempt to mend the self confidence of the brave women and children who are currently seeking refuge there.


It started to grow quick...I soon had the staff at Gillians Place on board and helping me plan this event, another very talented photographer, Melanie Michaud of Touch of Mommy Photography, and next thing I knew, my sister Joanna and half the staff where she works at Micheal of London Salon and Spa had volunteered to come in and pamper the women with fresh hair styles before their photography session. It amazes me sometimes to see people come together in such a way.

The day came this past Sunday, and what an experience it was. We had a regular hair salon set up in one room of the shelter and two mini photography studios in others. Then these amazing women started to roll in, many with the most adorable children I have ever been lucky enough to meet. I wish so much that I could share the pictures with you from this day, but I'm sure you can understand why I can't. But let me tell you...we really got some beautiful and soulful images that day, images that these women and children can treasure always. I'm so glad I did this...it's funny how you set out to do something for someone else...and it always turns out, that you are the one that gains the most. This is why I encourage all of you to give, whatever it is you have to offer.

Before I go, I want to publicly applaud my sister Joanna Christe and the staff who volunteered from Micheal of London, Ashley Orgrizek, Helena Souk, and Kim Poirier. These woman took a lot of time and effort during the busiest time in their industry to make this happen...and they did such a great job!!!!!!!!!!!

Also a big Thank you to Melanie Michaud of Touch of Mommy Photography...such amazing work!

What an Amazing Day!!!!!

Happy Holidays!!!!

Sarah