-Andrew Duffy-Times Colonist

Media Release
September 8, 2009
Victoria, BC

Click here to read the article on the Douglas Magazine website.

Family Portraits Bring Smiles to Transitional Housing Families

When you have escaped an abusive relationship one of the things you leave behind is the family portrait – the one that sits on the mantle with mom and the kids, and the abusive partner.

When you have escaped war and political violence in Africa, Latin America or the Middle East, a family portrait is beyond a dream.

This past week, Bullock and Kirstein Photography launched a new not for profit initiative: “Portraits for the People.” The initiative is aimed at providing professional family portraits for families in need. In essence, the goal of “Portraits for the People” is to preserve and to creatively and memorably record family histories.

Portraits in the Park was a special event on a sunny, Sunday afternoon hosted by Bullock & Kirstein Photography and The Cridge Centre for the Family where families living in The Cridge Supportive Transitional Housing got the chance to have their family portrait photographed and have that something special that defines their new family.

Marlene Goley, Manager of Women’s and Family Services at The Cridge says this was made possible thanks to the generosity of Anna and Rebecca of famed local Bullock & Kirstein Photography. “Anna and Rebecca have such a wonderful way to bring out the smiles. It is a joy to see these families smile knowing that they are moving on with their lives. We are most grateful for their generous contribution.” www.bullockandkirstein.com

The final product each family will receive is a professionally photographed, printed and framed 8X10 portrait to proudly display in their homes. The printing and framing is sponsored by The Imaging Group and Island Blue Print respectively.

This is the first of many events Anna Bullock and Rebecca Kirstein of Bullock & Kirstein Photography will host in their mission to spread awareness of the importance of preserving family histories through photographs. They believe that this is a priceless heirloom that all families should have access to. Long term goals of the organization are to enlist the talents of many other photographers and sponsors and to raise enough funds to travel internationally with this free service.

The Cridge Centre offers transitional family housing in supportive community settings. Twenty eight townhouse units, 8 one-bedroom suites and a growing capacity of accommodations are provided at lower than market rents for families and single women moving from a crisis situation to one of self-reliance, personal safety and stability. www.cridge.org

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For more information contact:
Marlene Goley, Manager of Women’s and Family Services, 250-995-6420, The Cridge Centre for the Family, E: mgoley@cridge.org
Greg Hatton, Manager of Communication and Fund Development, 250-995-6419, The Cridge Centre, E: ghatton@cridge.org
Anna or Rebecca, B&K Photography, 250-381-4739, E: info@bullockandkirstein.com
For more information on making a donation or to be a sponsor, please contact the studio directly and stay tuned for www.portraitsforthepeople.ca currently under construction.
The Imaging Group: www.prismimaging.ca
Island Blue Print: www.islandblue.com