With the flash of her camera, Mackenzie Joy brings still objects to life.
Over the past few years, the 12-year-old has developed a passion for photography.
Mackenzie’s mother, Renena Joy, says her daughter has not received formal training for taking pictures; she's simply a natural and has fun being creative.
“We have a lot of family and friends in Newfoundland and then people started asking us if they could purchase some of the pictures and so we set up a Facebook page and it just kinda took off from there,” says Renena.
Mackenzie has put the money she’s earned from the sale of her photos to good use. Since 2015, she’s donated more than $4,000 to the IWK Health Centre.
Glenn Martin owns a store in Bedford, N.S. This Saturday, Mackenzie will be selling her photos from his store.
“I saw an opportunity for her, I really agree with her cause. I think it's wonderful that we have a 12-year-old that's wanting to do this, wanting to help the IWK, not looking for anything in return,” says Glenn. “Having watched the telethon and having watched everything in the news, I see how they help so many people that can't help themselves.”
Mackenzie has a personal connection to the IWK. She was born with a chromosome abnormality and her mother says the family has spent a lot of time at the children's hospital.
“Over the years it's meant a number of things: so the clef pallet was probably a result of the chromosome abnormality, she has ADHD, significant learning challenges,” says Renena. “In March she started having seizures, so we've been very involved with the IWK, this year in particular, particularly over the fall months the seizures really started to ramp up, so it's really important for us to give back.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Suzette Belliveau
