A local portrait photographer, Helen Jones of H Jones Photography, Anna Valley, is appealing to the people of Andover to support her fundraising project, offering doorstep photoshoots in return for a donation to the Andover foodbank.
The project began during the first lockdown, during the Spring of 2020, when Helen cycled around Andover and local villages, offering socially distanced photoshoots as part of her daily exercise, back when we were all only permitted to leave our homes for one hour’s exercise per day. Over £2,000 was raised last Spring and now we are heading towards warmer weather and the end of lockdown, Helen has once again got her camera ready to raise more money and provide people with a memento of this period of history.
Helen has been overwhelmed by the support of the local community. “I was inspired to start this project by numerous other photographers around the world, who were doing the same for their local foodbanks. I was also delighted to be able to continue to take photos of people, having had to temporarily close my business during lockdown. I set myself a target of £150 and was blown away by the generosity shown. Several donated over £100 each and I remember having to check with them that they’d sent the right amount, and that they hadn’t meant to donate £10. People have been so supportive.”
Jenny LeLean, Community Manager at Andover foodbank, comments, “The foodbank has remained busy through this latest lockdown, distributing more than 35% more family boxes in January and February compared to the same period last year. This lockdown has been hard. Everyone is more tired; the cold weather has increased the strain on household budgets along with home-schooling and loss of income. People are struggling. But we have been overwhelmed at the level of support we have seen from this community. You have been generous at collection points, work, schools, and local organizations. Your creative ways of raising funds, from Helen’s doorstep photography to making facemasks, birdboxes to comedy, has been amazing. Together we have made sure no one has gone hungry, and your ongoing support allows us to prepare for what could be for some, a tough year ahead. Thank you.”
Helen will be offering doorstep photoshoots until 11th April. To arrange yours, get in touch with Helen at helen@hjonesphotography.co.uk.
