Community spirit in the Comox Valley abounds, even when it comes to

customer appreciation.

This year, McKinnon Photography is celebrating 10 years of business, and each month for 10 months, photographer Karen McKinnon is finding innovative ways to say thank you to her many clients.

In the spirit of all things 10, McKinnon scheduled a day of ten-minute mini-sessions with previous female clients for a suggested donation of $10. Along with a file of their re-touched best photo, clients also received a free hot yoga class from BodyNetix as a party favor.

The proceeds of her customer appreciation event were donated to the Comox Valley Hospice Society.

McKinnon鈥檚 work invites her into the special and sometimes private moments of her client鈥檚 lives. What is consistently celebrated through her work is the value and importance of relationships.

鈥淪ome of these women I have been photographing for 10 years, through weddings, births, career changes, and growing families. I had moments during this shoot, where I was taken

aback. These women are shining. They are truly living 鈥� and they seem more beautiful

then ever,鈥� said McKinnon.

The Comox Valley Hospice is an organization that also values the art of truly living,

providing services to ensure dignity and quality of life to those who are dying.

"We were so delighted to be receive Karen's generous donation, and to be a part of this women focused event,鈥� noted Terri Odeneal, executive director for Comox Valley Hospice

Society.

鈥淔or CVHS to share in an event that celebrates the mindset of living life to the

fullest, is a truly wonderful thing. This really is the spirit of hospice."

"My age demographic is just starting to be touched by Hospice and how important it

is,鈥� explained McKinnon. 鈥淓nd of life is a certainty for all of us and support around it for

everyone involved should also be a certainty."

In total, the event raised $550 for the Comox Valley Hospice Society.

"It was a wonderful day. I was able to have 32 amazing woman in my studio, continue celebrating 10 years in business and thank my clients all while raising money for a very important charity."

You can visit McKinnon Photography鈥檚 online photo journal at

and .

鈥� McKinnon Photography