How can I be involved as an Art Model?
Send an email to Norm Wilson (info@njw.ca) to make arrangements for an interview. Part of the interview process will include quick 'mug shots' to catalog prospects for wardrobe and styling teams to review and discuss a look to build around each model. Once your interview is completed, allow 7 to 10 days for a final decision and follow up discussion about the concept you will be taking part in if selected.
I don't have a credit card or PayPal account. How can I make a donation or order a product?
Payment can be sent directly to Norman J. Wilson Photography at the following mailing address, or call to make arrangements to bring a payment in person.
Send cheque or money order Payable to Norman J. Wilson to: 655 Wellington Road S., Suite 117, London, ON, N6C 4R4 Be sure to include specific directions on what item(s) you are ordering, or if donating be sure that you specify that the donation is for this project to ensure that it is deposited to the correct accounts.
How will my donation be spent?
Often, fundraisers have a reputation of carrying very high 'administrative' costs, resulting in much less of the money collected making its way to the target recipients. This is not the case here. My personal mandate is to ensure that 80% or more of the money collected through this project goes directly to research. At one time I was planning to donate the whole fund to one of the larger Cancer societies, but the result of that is loss of control over where the money goes, and the likelihood that I would see much less than half of the donation go where I wanted it to go. So I will target the fund directly to specific research facilities that have programs that I feel good donating to. I may select two or three of these, or perhaps just one. But in the end, 80% or more of the money collected through this project will go to where it is intended. Once I select specific recipients, they will be published here on the site. ALL of the money showing on the status thermometer will be donated to the published recipients.
Why did you start this project?
I've seen the effects of Cancer, Heart Disease and other serious diseases on my family and friends. I've seen the loss of wonderful people. I've seen the suffering of people, the tearing apart of families. I've been witness to survival - and loss. And I truly believe that there is hope for reducing the impact of cancer in the future. With awareness, research and support programs, we CAN and will help many people to live better and healthier, or have a greater chance of survival if they do become cancer patients. And if I can help just a little through my passion for artistic photography, find ways to create compelling images that also deliver messages, or just promote awareness, then I have done something truly positive with my skills. And that is the greatest reward I can hope for.
What is the meaning of 'The Lavender Phoenix'?
I started this out as a project to raise funds specifically for Breast Cancer research, and had named it Project Pink to reflect that connection. There are many other Project Pink references out there today though, as many different fund raisers aim their money at Breast Cancer. Very quickly after starting the project, I realized that I needed to go in a more generic direction and target my efforts to Cancer Research in general. The common ribbon color to represent efforts supporting ALL Cancers is Lavender. And of course the Phoenix is the great bird of mythology that rises from its own ashes and is reborn. It seems a fitting representation for those that fight and win their battles with cancer. From this... and the fact that there are not many programs sharing the name... the project took on its new identity.