Ace SooToday.com photographer raises money for Haiti

NEWS RELEASE

DONNA HOPPER PHOTOGRAPHY

******************************* Area photographer to host a 24-hour charity street photography project, exhibit and silent auction

All funds raised support the J/P Haitian Relief Organization

SAULT STE. MARIE - Local photographer, Donna Hopper, is preparing to camp out for a full 24 hours at a busy downtown Sault Ste. Marie intersection, taking photos and accepting donations to raise funds for the J/P Haitian Relief Organization (J/P HRO).

Titled Street View, the charity street photography project will take place at the intersection of Queen and Brock Streets from noon on Friday, June 3 until noon on Saturday, June 4, 2011.

Following this, she will host a photo exhibit and silent auction at Loplops Gallery-Lounge (651 Queen Street East) on Saturday, June 25 starting at 7:30 p.m.

All funds raised will be donated to J/P HRO to aid its efforts in rebuilding Haiti following the devastating earthquake that stuck in January 2010.

"Since viewing photographs and reading stories of the devastation caused by that earthquake, the people of Haiti have remained in my thoughts and heart. To manage that magnitude of destruction and displacement of lives in an already impoverished nation is unimaginable to me," said Donna. "Nearly a million Haitians remain homeless more than a year later. Something needs to be done."

"After hours of contemplation and research regarding charitable organizations, I chose to support J/P HRO because I'm convinced this organization has the dedication, motivation and resources to directly aid the people of Haiti the most," she added. "I find its efforts to create and maintain a sustainable future for Haiti inspiring."

Founded by actor Sean Penn immediately following the earthquake, J/P HRO's principle efforts include:

- Providing emergency medical and primary care

- Rubble removal

- Facilitating community regeneration

- Distribution of water purification systems and food

- Education and management of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps

To learn more about J/P HRO's efforts and progress in Haiti, please click here

Donna has also set up a donation page on the J/P HRO website for those who wish to contribute but are unable to attend the event.

Contributions can be made directly by clicking here Donna would like to thank Loplops Gallery-Lounge, Stone's Office Supply, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, and all her friends and supporters for their assistance in this fundraising project.

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