Help-Portrait hits Vancouver's Downtown Eastside for Christmas
'I feel like a movie star,' says portrait recipient Susie Q
Christmas music, cheery hellos and loving care met a group of Downtown Eastside residents invited for free portraits at the seventh annual Help-Portrait event at Vancouver's Union Gospel Mission Saturday.
The event is part of a global movement of photographers and makeup artists who provide professional quality portraits for people who may not be able to afford the extravagance.
"It brings a lot of joy into their lives, and it really brings a lot of joy into all of our lives to be able to make this happen," said Evan Powroznik, Help-Portrait Vancouver's executive director.
Susie Q was amused by all the fussing from the make-up artists and hair stylists.
"I've been down here [living on the Downtown Eastside] since I was 14, and I'm 51 now, ... and every year you guys put me in the Christmas spirit," she said.
I feel like a movie star!- Susie Q, a residential school survivor
Susie Q slowly transformed while chatting with the stylists.
She spoke proudly of her seven-year sobriety, and her plan to start a button blanket group.
In the end, she was handed a mirror, and she laughed with joy.
"I feel like a movie star!"
Susie Q plans to send her photo to her family for Christmas, because she says they can't always be together for the holiday.
