Some excellent news!

A press release from Leica Camera was issued today:



Fundraising on Twitter for Leica enthusiasts’ charity initiative

Starting on June 30, 2010, Leica Camera AG will donate .50 Euro to the UK based Association for International Cancer Research (AICR) for every new follower to Leica’s Twitter account. Leica will donate an extra 1,000 Euros to AICR upon reaching 10,000 followers by July 9,2010.

The charity project for the benefit of international cancer research is part of an initiative that was launched by Leica enthusiast photographers who met on the independent International Leica User Forum site . Cornerstone of the project is the Leica User Forum Charity Book 2010, which is available through the online publishing company Blurb. The book is 140 pages long and offers a broad variety of images made by 101 Leica Forum members. A significant donation from the participating photographers as well as 6 Euros of the 95 Euros sales price will benefit the AICR. More than 9,000 Euros have already been raised.

Leica Forum member Bill Palmer, who came up with the photo book idea, said: “We simply wanted to showcase the talent of the photographers on the forum, whilst simultaneously raising money for a good cause. The response was overwhelming, both in the number and quality of images submitted from contributors worldwide.”

Norman Barrett, AICR’s Chief Executive said: “This impressive work of photo aficionados will provide essential income to help us help scientists across the globe in their efforts to understand and answer some of the most complicated questions in their field.”

Leica Camera Chief Executive Rudolf Spiller also commented: “I am delighted that we can contribute to an initiative that perfectly illustrates the spirit of the Leica user community. The project combines social responsibility, creative excellence and dedication to Leica cameras and lenses. Our customers are the best!”