Just how many great things can one event celebrate?
Find out by taking part in McKinnon Photography's Twelve Days of Christmas, a multi-day extravaganza of special offers, deals, gift ideas, fun and community spirit that runs Dec. 5 to 17.
The event is the culmination of a year of specials Karen McKinnon has offered in connection with her business' 10th birthday.
"I'm so excited to sit back 10 years later and see myself having achieved the goals I set, which included creating a successful business that could also make a difference personally to people and on a larger community scale. I'm very fortunate in that I've found the place I'm supposed to be, doing what I'm meant to do," said McKinnon.
Twelve Days of Christmas celebrates the magic of the photographic image and its power to delight, record and add meaning to special moments, people and places in our lives.
McKinnon's favourite part happens on the 12th day, and will celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. On this day, the community is invited to nominate a local non-profit of their choice for the opportunity to receive a special present: a professional photography package from McKinnon.
McKinnon is known for working with a variety of non-profits such as St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, You Are Not Alone (YANA), and others. The package will include her consulting services, which means she will help identify the best ways her photography can be used to support the organizations goals.
"Karen is full of ideas, and so dedicated to enriching the lives of those around her," says Anita Brassard, executive director for YANA, which has been receiving donated photography services from McKinnon for years. "She has helped YANA to celebrate our clients and document their heroic journeys.
"Karen has helped us to create a visual connection between the children who we help and the community that stands behind the work that we do."
For McKinnon, the final day especially — and the whole event — is a celebration of the community she lives and works in. Karen will receive nominations and announce the recipient in the New Year.
"I'm full of gratitude for this amazing place and its people, and love the way my work connects me and allows me to make meaningful contributions to the Valley. This is another way for me to honour that," she says.
McKinnon was the recipient of the 2008 Comox Valley Small Business Award and was named the Vancouver Island 2009 Photographer of the Year by the Professional Photographers of Canada, B.C. Chapter.
For more information, follow McKinnon’s blog at www.mckinnonblog.com or www.facebook.com/mckinnonphoto or contact her at 250-890-9222.
— McKinnon Photography