Smiles across Aylmer, a photographer makes a difference

With plenty of negativity surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, one local photographer took matters into her own hands by bringing smiles and funds to the community. Over the last couple of weeks, Aylmer resident Émilie Gagné has been rolling through town with her Nikon D7200 digital camera, stopping by residences to take portraits of families in front of their homes (at a safe physical distance).

Free of charge, only accepting donations, all funds raised from the initiative will be donated to the Aylmer Food Centre. “I know that the food banks are in need right now,” she told the Bulletin. Gagné said the idea came to her after noticing photographers doing similar initiatives in other provinces and countries. 

Not aware of anyone locally doing such a thing and after being encouraged by friends and family to do so, Gagné used her passion for photography to bring some sunshine during a dark time. On April 1, Gagné published a Facebook post about her initiative and, in a matter of hours, she received more than 80 requests to visit homes for photos. With Jean, her father, helping her out as her driver, Gagné has photographed almost 70 families, with many more on the way, noting that she’s raised more than $2,300 for the food bank so far.

Gagné explained that donations are processed directly to the food bank online to prevent physical transactions. Gagné said her photo sessions are accessible by appointment and families are encouraged to add to the fun by posing however they please. “I set times for everybody,” she said. “I show up at their home and they have to be ready outside. I’ve gotten no closer than the end of their driveway. Some were in costumes. I was doing families every 10 minutes,” she added.

For Aylmer Food Centre Director General Gérard Émond, the initiative means a great deal, noting that he was pleasantly surprised to see it all come about. “We appreciate the help,” he said. “We recognize the generosity of Aylmer residents. She’s creating joy with people accepting to be photographed.”

Émond reminds the population that the Aylmer Food Centre remains fully functional during the pandemic.

Information: Facebook page called Smiles across Aylmer - https://www.facebook.com/SmilesAcrossAylmer/.