Jim Byrnes Urges Public to Support Hope in Shadows this Christmas
Posted by Hope In Shadows on May 19, 2009
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Valerie Fielding, winner of the 2008 Hope in Shadows Photography Contest, was presented with a copy of her photograph Big Brother Little Brother on October 9.
Photo Caption two: The Hope in Shadows calendar can be purchased from street vendors for $20. On November 29 and 30 Valerie Feilding will be at the Hope in Shadows table at the Granville Island Market from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Vancouver, November 29 - Blues musician and actor Jim Byrnes says he has seen some of his toughest sights on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
This year he is urging the public to consider spending less - but spending wisely - over the holidays by making a different choice and buying a 2009 Hope in Shadows calendar from the men and women who are earning their living by selling them.
"For $20 - what it would cost you to buy a bottle of booze or a box of chocolates," says Byrnes, "you can make a huge difference to families struggling in tough times in the city's poorest neighborhood.
Hope in Shadows is an annual calendar created by people in the DTES. Disposable cameras are distributed throughout the neighborhood. Residents take photos that show positive views of the community rarely seen in the news.
A contest is held to determine which photos will be included in each year's calendar. Community members then are able to take part in a micro-credit program to sell the calendars to make income.
They're given their first calendar for free that they can sell for $20. After that, they can purchase each additional calendar for $10, sell it for $20 - and make a $10 profit on each sale.
This year, 13,000 Hope in Shadows calendars were printed. Jim Byrnes wants to make sure each and every calendar is sold. "Buying this calendar represents the best investment of 20 dollars you are ever going to make." says Byrnes.
"This project builds community, instills pride and self-respect. It supports local artists, provides job training and generates much needed income. If the regular person is hard hit by the downturn, imagine the trickle-down effect to people living on the edges. I urge you to give the Hope in Shadows calendar to at least one person on your gift list
