Castlegar photographer Nel Vandergaag’s photo, “Looking Across At Lions Head” will be featured in the 2014 Home Hardware Charity Calendar.
Over 450,000 calendars will be distributed nationally in support of the SickKid’s Foundation, a world leader in children’s health research and care.
Vandergaag's photo was selected from hundreds of entries across Canada to be the December 2014 winter scene for the calendar.
Castlegar Communities in Bloom submitted four scenes from Vandergaag's collection to the competition.
"That has never happened before that's for sure," said Vandergaag. "I've been judged for 25 years. I once had my Christmas cards chosen by Columbia Basin Trust. I don't know how many they print but I'm sure it's not 450,000."
Vandergaag said she took the photo from the Castlegar-Robson bridge last winter.
"I like to take pictures on cloudy days because you don't get all that contrast," she said.
“We are thrilled to see Nel recognized for her creativity and passion for our community”, said Darlene Kalawsky, volunteer coordinator of Castlegar Communities in Bloom. "Her visual expression is exemplary. She has a very special gift, of capturing nature in its most enchanting moments.”
Home Hardware Canada is a national sponsor of Communities in Bloom and supports the objectives of fostering community pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement.