Volunteer Diaries: Elizabeth Ireland

https://sandiegomagazine.com/charitable-sd/emilio-nares-foundation-elizabeth-ireland/

Below is a feature article about my background in the wonderful non profit Emilio Nares Foundation!

What made you want to become a volunteer for the Emilio Nares Foundation?

For families of children with cancer, the can be an invaluable resource. The nonprofit helps underserved families avoid missing medical treatments by providing free rides to and from appointments, and, to date, has transported nearly 5,000 Southern California kids. The nonprofit also provides a bevy of other support services, including professional family photos. donates her time and talent taking photos to brighten families’ spirits or, in the worst-case scenario, giving them something to remember their child. 

I had a colleague of mine ask me to donate a silent auction item and invited me to go to their yearly Harvest for Hope. I went and was instantly hooked. I heard the stories of all they were doing, and I was like, “What else can I do to get involved?” 

What is the time commitment? 

It’s kind of whenever they need me. Since Covid, we haven’t been able to take as many pictures because I can’t go into the hospital, so I usually do at least one yearly photo event or shoot so we can do all their marketing and advertising photos. Then I do the end-of-life ones for the kids that just aren’t going to make it—anytime there’s a situation like that, if I can make it work, I always try and go. And then I photograph their Harvest for Hope every year as well. Sometimes there are more sessions a year and sometimes there are less. It just depends on what’s happening throughout the year.

What’s your favorite part about volunteering? 

It’s always fun seeing the kids who have gotten better. Then being able to help the families who have never had family photos and see their smiles and how happy they are receiving these cherished memories. I just love being able to provide that for all these different families.

What’s one of the biggest challenges of volunteering for ENF? 

Holding it together for some of the harder ones. We’ve had a few rough cases that I’ve done end-of-life photos for, and I’m holding myself together. Then, when we walk away, I’m just bawling my eyes out. The hardest part is to see what these families have gone through. It’s heartbreaking to see, but their resilience is amazing.

Any advice for someone considering volunteering for ENF?

If you need a charity or nonprofit, go to them. They’re just so involved, and they care about the people, not the bottom line. Luz (Quiroga, interim executive director) will tell you the entire story about every single family that you meet, every person in the family’s name. Every time I’m involved, I feel like it gives me purpose and I just love being a part of such an amazing organization.

Elizabeth Ireland Photography

As a San Diego native, I’m not just a photographer—I’m a storyteller dedicated to capturing the beauty, warmth, and rich diversity of this incredible city I call home. Inspired daily by my loving husband and our lively two-year-old, I truly understand the importance of preserving moments that resonate with the heart.

Specializing in family and branding photography, I have the privilege of capturing life’s most meaningful moments. From the special moment in time of families to the lasting impressions of your business’s brand, each photo I take is infused with passion, dedication, and a commitment to quality. I believe photographs are not just images—they are time capsules, bringing us back to life’s most cherished memories, much like my own favorite moments captured and relived through photos.

I’m also grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that has shaped me. Through partnerships with local charities, I strive to spread joy and make a positive impact, one snapshot at a time.

My work has been featured in a variety of respected publications, including San Diego Voyager, San Diego Magazine, Shout Out SoCal, Canvas Rebel, Bold Voyager, San Diego Reader Magazine, BeLocal Magazine, San Diego Real Producers, and Metro Real Producers Magazine. These features have given me the chance to share my love for photography with a broader audience and continue to grow as an artist.

Whether capturing the love and connection within a family or the essence of a brand, I am committed to delivering exceptional service and creating timeless images that my clients can cherish for a lifetime.

https://elizabethirelandphoto.com
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