Portrait event reminds Calgary Drop-In Centre clients 'how beautiful they are'

Clients of the Calgary Drop-In Centre got an early gift for the holiday season professional portraits and a chance to be pampered by beauty experts.

The annual event, which is in its eighth year, brings professional photographers, hairstylists, andmakeup artists to the centre.

Organizer Chantelle Ethiersaidit's a chance forpeople at the Drop-In Centre to forget their problems for a day, and adds the keepsake photograph reminds them they are equal.

"You'd be surprised how many people have not had somebody just brush their hair or curl their hair for them in years, or decades," Ethier said.

"They get their picture taken and they really see how beautiful they are, and a lot of them have forgotten that."

Free clothing to complete the new look was provided byCommonGoodLinens.

Ethier said they typically photograph between 150-200 people every year.

Some of the clients, like Owen Chigumira, send their photos home to relatives as Christmas gifts.

"It's for our family and it's really touching. Some of us we have families abroad, some of us don't have families," he said.

"It's something that people want close to Christmas and it's a gift and it's something that people will love."

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