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The tight-knit community of Cairns has rallied to help a local photography studio capture the “Kids of Cairns” to raise money for sick NQ children and their families.

Launched earlier this month, By Heart Photography has partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia (RMHCNA) to create a limited edition Charity Book filled with the unique personalities and characters of our local kids.

Studio owners, Benn Brown and Juliette Wilkinson, have been photographing Cairns families for more than 15 years and wanted to give back to the community that has supported them.

“One of our clients had a seriously ill  child who needed ongoing treatment in Townsville. They had countless hospital visits and spent two years moving back and forth between Cairns and Townsville for treatment,” Benn said.

“Their lives were turned upside down and it has really taken a toll,” he said.

“We felt so helpless and wanted to find a way to help, so we approached Ronald McDonald House with the idea for Kids of Cairns and they loved it!”

Following the success of Puparazzi Charity Art Project where more than $11000 was raised for North Queensland Animal Rescue, they felt they could do more.

“It’s just so easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of life and what matters most is right in front of us,” Juliette said.

“Ben and I have been so blessed by the support of Cairns families over the years,” she said.

“This project is our way of giving back to the community that has given us so much.”

The “Kids of Cairns” Charity Book Project aims to raise crucial funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia. 

Local families with children aged 2 to 12 are invited to take part. 

Portraits from the sessions will be compiled into a limited edition book with a percentage of sales donated directly to RMHCNA. 

“We want to raise at least $10,000 for families with seriously ill children,” Juliette said.

Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia offers a safe haven for families whose children require specialised medical care in Townsville or Brisbane. 

Their facility, adjacent to Townsville Hospital, keeps families together during extended treatments, sometimes lasting months.

For more information on the “Kids of Cairns” Charity Book Project or to participate, visit https://www.byheartphotography.com.au/lp-kids-of-cairns/ or call 0410 366 124.