A Local Photographer Making a Difference

As I mentioned before, one of the main goals of my blog is to highlight local mompreneurs or women in business. Lucky for me, a fantastic side effect is that I get to learn more about women in our communities not only making a difference with a side hustle or business, but working double time as they work full time jobs, raise families, run a household all while doing more for a greater cause.

On Sunday April 14th I had the pleasure of meeting such a woman. Though she is already very busy with a full life, she took on a large project, with the ultimate goal of doing good, and making a difference. And she did.

Catherine Ledoux is a mom of 2 young boys, a full time employee, and has always had a passion for photography. Three years ago, while chasing around two boys under three, she decided to pursue her passion more intently and took a course to improve her technical skills. (She obviously enjoys being busy and having her hands full!)  She started her own business that same year. (She’s courageous too!)

Speaking about her passion she says “Photography is my creative outlet. I find it captivating to be able to capture an emotion or a moment that we miss or wouldn’t notice without freezing it. I find being able to gift people with memories or special moments they can cherish forever truly rewarding.”

Although she has been focusing on the “Une Pose Pour Le Rose” for the past 6 months, she collaborates with various organizations yearlong, trying to give back using her passion. (She should teach a course on time management, how does she DO it?!)

She decided to take this on after being a participant in the event last year, and witnessed how women came together for the cause.  

When I asked her what it was about this event specifically that compelled her take it on, she responded with “Having had a friend and family member battle and survive this illness, the cause is very close to my heart. But the event also celebrates women and allows them to get pampered and have some “me time ” for the day which becomes the best of both worlds. As women and mothers, we often forget or don’t take time for ourselves and being able to offer this time to a few women all while giving back to this important cause is priceless to me. So many women were nervous and telling me they aren’t photogenic or dislike having their photo taken, yet they decided to do it for the cause. Spending those few minutes with them, sharing stories and making them feel good about themselves is indescribable and without knowing it, they also gave back to me with their trust and support. We laughed, shared and there were also tears at times and some even hugged me thanking me for those few moments. Seeing their smile as they left the session gave me a true sense as to why I do this and confirmed being involved in this event was the best decision for me as a photographer but also as a woman.”

Since November 2018, Catherine has dedicated her evenings and weekends, contacting local businesses for this one day event, being held at the Centre Multisports de Vaudreuil-Dorion. (Generously, the Centre offered their space for this fundraising event at no charge!)

Altogether she and her volunteers secured 24 Sponsors that donated gifts, door prizes and some pretty awesome Tickets for P!nk to be auctioned off, with all the proceeds from that going to the cause.  Also, she gathered 15 Volunteers to help her execute the activities involved which included makeup artists and hairdressers to help the women get picture perfect ready. Finally, she, as the Photographer, took their portraits! The cost to participate was $20 to be photographed, and an extra 10$ for either makeup or hair styling. Again, all money was donated, which means that 100% of their time/service was volunteer!

Over 65 women signed up for this event, in Vaudreuil alone, and over $4700 was raised!!

A bit of History..

Now in its 3rd year, “A pink pose” or “Une Pose Pour le Rose”, is a fundraising event for the Canadian Cancer Society specifically dedicated to breast cancer. Photographers from across Quebec joined their talent for a week in April, taking portraits of women. All profits from the sale of these photos (even when extra prints are ordered) go to the cause.

The event was initiated by photographer Marilyn Bouchard of Pigment b photo and Design of the Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean region. The first edition gathered 80 photographers who immortalized the portrait of more than 2000 women and raised $ 70,000.

In 2018, a group of 190 photographers photographed nearly 7,000 women and raised an impressive $ 257,000. The initiator, at first the only photographer of the project, first set a modest goal of $ 3,000. Then, the project took on a life of its own as several photographers from all over Quebec decided to join the movement.

Should you want to participate in any capacity next year you can go to the website here.

Congratulations are in order!

Although Catherine was the lead on this project, I am sure she is very grateful for the slew of volunteers and businesses that helped make this event the success that it was. All those involved deserve recognition for graciously donating their time and/or services. I have listed them below so feel free to contact them should you require one of their services!

For additional information on Catherine Ledoux Photography you can click here

A Thank you to all the Sponsors and Volunteers!

• Centre Multisports de Vaudreuil-Dorion
• Salon Augustin
• M&A Creations
• Duke and Devines Vaudreuil
• Starbucks Vaudreuil
• Pharmacie Brunet – Emmanuelle Laflamme
• Familiprix Vaudreuil
• Fleuriste Vert Design
• Party Surprise
• Lash&Beauty Boutique Montreal
• Fitness Evolution
• Ongles cils etc
• Ital Cookies
• Rebecca Rose Co.
• Booxi
• Restaurant le Surcouf
• Dermadiav
• Avocado Sushi du Village
• Restaurant le Gourmand
• Restaurant Olivia
• Spa Concept Manon Lemay
• Radiantan
• Rogers
• Photo Lab Yves Thomas

Volunteers

• Virginie Cousineau-Lavigne artiste maquilleuse
• Josie – makeup artist (Josie Fragapane)
• Salon Augustin: (John Nash, Mélanie Desjardins, Carmen Pedulla, Sabrina Pedulla)
• Styled by Talia (Talia Jackson)
• Karolina Bucholc – Makeup Artist
• Ana Victoria
• Pamela Somerville
• Lauren Myers
• Andrée-Anne Ledoux
• Annie Dauphinais
• Émilie Cousineau
• Véronique Angell

It is truly inspiring to see how the time and energy for a worthy cause can bring a community together. I hope this blog leads you to wonder what little gesture you can take on, to make someone else’s day that much better!  Remember that no matter how small it seems, it can create a giant ripple effect of good. Here’s a Hint – you can share this blog to start! 🙂