I am so proud to say that we raised $8252.47 in proceeds, all of which will go toward Plan Canada’s Because I am a Girl initiative.

It was truly meaningful to see the number of you that chose to spend your precious time and money supporting me and/or this cause.  I was honoured by the large portion of attendees that chose to pre-order photos of mine from the trips, and that all but two of the framed photos on display were sold in the silent auction.  In all accounts, this was a complete success.

Here are some highlights from the event :

These are some large-sized posters made from my photos that will stay up in Birks for the month.

We had beautiful information pamphlets and statistic signage to guide people on their ‘journey’.

This is me, mingling with friends.

I was really happy to see old high school friends!

And teachers and friends from Ryerson Journalism School.

I was delighted that Catherine Lash from the Wedding Co. came out to support.

And Lisa Ray, who is an Ambassador to Plan.  She’s here with Paula Roberts, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Development at Plan Canada.

We also had many bidding wars over the photos.  A few hot commodities!

On display we had Jenn Heil’s pendant.  I was lucky enough to travel with Jenn on the trip we took to Rwanda.

It was also a pleasure to have support from Rosemary McCarney, the President and CEO of Plan Canada.

Last but not least, I was particularly pleased to see my high school art teacher, Miss. Collacott.  If she hadn’t introduced me to photography and supported this endeavour, none of this would have happened.

I would also like to thank Birks for hosting the show and the event in their beautiful Bay + Bloor location, and all the volunteers from Plan who worked so hard to coordinate the evening.  Also, thank you to Girls Night Out Wine for keeping the guests happy, En Ville Catering for the delicious appetizers, and Elgin Picture & Frame for doing such a beautiful job on the photo frames.

Most of all, I would like to say Thank You to Plan Canada for trusting me in the first place to document the lives of these girls in Rwanda + India, and for believing that this showcase will make a difference.  I feel that it already has…

There is an online version of the exhibit here, should you want to see the photos.  Thank you to the team at Plan for creating this piece, as well as helping implement the entire vision.  It was beyond a treat to work with you all!

The show is still up at Birks for the rest of the Month.  Check it out if you have a chance!

Anyway, it’s the truth.  Sometimes you’re just there, at the right time.  In 2009 I had the great fortune of participating in a project that involved climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with none other than Marnie McBean.  (It’s not every day you have an Olympian champion as your sherpa!)  If you want to see a slideshow of what that was like, click here : http://www.documentographer.com/blog/?p=1067  It was pretty amazing.

Anyway, back at sea level, I felt very proud to be involved in another big goal of hers this year, which is this amazing new book — The Power of More.  Just hit the stands, get your copy!

Here are some photos that we took that day, which later turned into this wonderful cover:

A big Thank You to Ivy Lam, working her hair + make up magic, once again.

I’m sorry to tell the world Katie, but it’s time for that belief to change.  I have made it my personal mission.

My hope is that you can’t stop clicking on these photos.  It will help the 18 days pass until your wedding.  I know I’ll be clicking until then.  I’m really looking forward to your wedding. You two are a ball!

This year, I had the pleasure of photographing her newborn baby!  It is equally as wonderful getting to know her as a Mother, and watching her son grow.

Congratulations to you and Trey.  I’m so happy for you!!  Happy of happiest Mother’s Days.  xoxoxo

It is the day that you get to choose an 11×14″ photo taken in Rwanda or India by yours truly, which you will pick up on Tuesday at the opening event of my Contact Photography exhibit.  It is, in fact, the last day that you can make such an order.

On top of it all, you get to attend the opening event on Tuesday at Birk’s Jewellers — 55 Bloor St West, Toronto.

Never fear.  If you can’t make it, you can still order a print and it will be delivered to you.  Here are the 4 photos you can choose from :

To place your order, go to this site : www.plancanada.ca/journeyofagirl

If you want to come to the opening and you don’t want a print, you can RSVP over the weekend still. Or just show up at the door.

Can’t wait to see you on Tuesday!

ps — All proceeds go to Plan’s important Because I am a Girl initiative.  What’s that all about?  Watch this quick video to understand why it’s so important to support and invest in girls…

Come to think of it, they also make you want to move to the alleged “Pocket” of Toronto.  I would tell you about where it is, but it’s secret.  Just for the lucky.  And these two have luck on their side.

What a fabulous time I had with you both.  I look forward to our next date.  Signed, SWF. xo

ps — Special thanks to the amazing Ivy Lam for her hair + makeup skills.

One more month, and we get to do it again!

I was extremely fortunate to be invited into their home on the day that he came home from the hospital, to capture the first time that Maeve met Greyden.  This was a real honour for me to be there for this special intro.

Have a look at these photos to see how it unfolded.  What a treat!!!

Here’s how you RSVP:

1. Click here : www.plancanada.ca/journeyofagirl
2. Choose to pay $40 to enter, OR $100 to enter and receive an 11×14″ print of the photo of your choice below.  Photos will be available for pickup at the opening reception, or mailed to your home if you are unable to attend.
3. Count down the days!  I know I will.

ps — Here’s a behind-the-scenes photo of me in Rwanda as these shots were being taken.  Thank you Darcy Turenne for capturing this photo.