Photography exhibition supports Hertfordshire Community Foundation

A new online photographic exhibition by a collection of photographers is raising money for Hertfordshire charities.

Herts in Focus, an exhibition produced by a collection of 11 local photographers opened on Tuesday, September 22.

The photographs, which capture some of the beautiful wildlife of Hertfordshire, are being released in an online exhibition to raise funds to help charities in Hertfordshire.

Money raised from the sale of the photographic prints will be donated to Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF) which provides grants to families in crisis, grassroots charities and voluntary groups, helping some of the county’s most vulnerable residents and to address deprivation in the county.

From Tuesday, two new photos will be released each day for 30 days alongside a short story about each photo.

The photos will be published on Herts in Focus Facebook page and on the exhibition’s website - www.hertsinfocus.com - where prints of the photos can be purchased.

The A4 prints mounted in an A3 frame are on sale for a donation of £60.00.

Henrietta Buxton, who coordinated the exhibition said: “Photography is my passion, it captures moments in time, inspires me and through it I meet lots of interesting new people – including my fellow photographers who have generously contributed to this exhibition to make it possible.

"I wanted to help my local community and thought that an exhibition would be a wonderful way to bring people together and at the same time introduce them to our local community foundation, which provides vital support to Hertfordshire’s charitable sector.

“Although the exhibition can’t go ahead as originally planned, we felt that we may be able to achieve even more if we held an online exhibition, reaching more people and hopefully raising even more money for this worthy cause.

"We hope that people will enjoy the photos and are inspired help us to help those in need in our local communities.”

Over the past three decades HCF has funded thousands of local initiatives addressing complex social issues including domestic abuse, learning disabilities, bereavement, homelessness, mental health and many more.

Grants have enabled music therapy groups to help people affected by dementia, support courses for carers of young people affected by ADHD and Autism, increased capacity for a domestic abuse support services and funding for bedside hospital visits for people of all ages affected by hair loss.

Helen Gray, foundation director for HCF said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the photographers who have so generously provided these stunning photos, and for everyone who has expressed an interest in purchasing prints.

"The collection is truly inspiring and showcases some of the most beautiful wildlife of our county.

"Sadly, everyone’s experience of life in Hertfordshire isn’t always beautiful or easy and people are struggling through serious social issues in every part of our county.

"Monies raised through the sale of prints will help HCF to make Hertfordshire a better place, for everyone.”

As lockdown was implemented HCF provided grants to enable local charities to adapt and continue to support their beneficiaries. Grants included funds to Citizen Advice to provide vital advice and guidance remotely.

Telephone counselling and conflict coaching for vulnerable families, including those experiencing domestic violence.

Grants to help volunteers to support the isolated and elderly provide free transport for hospital visits and delivery of prescriptions and food. As well as funds for many other valuable and vital organisations helping the elderly and vulnerable during the pandemic.

The prints are on sale until the end of year and all proceeds will be donated to Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

To find out more about Hertfordshire Community Foundation visit: www.hertscf.org.uk.

To make a donation to Hertfordshire Community Foundation visit: www.justgiving.com/hertscf.