Meaghan Kent finds a picture perfect way to help newborns

Last Christmas, local photographer Meaghan Kent started a fundraiser to help support the NICU (newborn intensive care unit) at the Sault Area Hospital. She created and sold digital Santa photos for families and raised $3,000.

Kent is hosting the fundraiser again this year, and hopes the community will want to participate once more. 

“I take an image of someone’s child, pet, or family and I superimpose it into a photo with Santa holding a picture frame,” she said. “It’s a way of having that special Santa photo that you would get at the mall, for instance. But this way you don’t have to be masked and it’s safe. All proceeds raised will go towards Sault Area Hospital."

This cause is personal for Kent because her son, Everett, had to stay in the NICU for three weeks when he was born due to medical complications. “There are no words to describe how great they were (at the NICU) and how special the nurses and doctors were. They were just incredible and I’d like to give back,” she said.

“Having a sick baby is terrifying, but they helped calm our nerves and made the experience better. I have the utmost respect for the staff,” she said.

Kent has been doing photography full time for five years, taking pictures of a variety of subjects, including weddings, newborns, families, and pets. 

“I got into photography while working on my travel blog. I wanted to better the photography to match my writing for the blog. From there, it just took off,” said the 32-year-old. 

To help with the fundraiser and get your own digital Santa image, a minimum $10 donation per photo is required. You can email Kent to get started and then expect to receive your digital Santa image within one to two days. 

Kent says this fundraiser is also a way for her to try and keep the community safe, since it is a contactless way for families to get their Christmas photos done. 

“I feel it’s important to give back and show support for the community. Also, so many of my clients use the maternity ward and the NICU so this fundraiser will in turn help them. It comes full circle,” she said.

More of Kent's photography can be seen on Instagram @meaghankentphotography.