Specialty Color Services announces matching challenge to PMA members for fight against child malnutrition

In response to the recently-launched effort of Specialty Color Services, Santa Barbara, Calif., to battle childhood malnutrition along with Vitamin Angels, one PMA Newsline recipient came forward to offer matching funds. Now, Specialty Color Services is extending the challenge to others.

Through a unique partnership, Specialty Color Services will donate $1 from every roll of film processed in the lab’s special blend Coffee and Vitamin C developer to Vitamin Angels as both participants strive to combat malnutrition, one of the world’s most pervasive debilitators of young lives.

Specialty Color Services owner, Gabe Cano, reports, “To our knowledge, we are the only lab on the planet offering Coffee and Vitamin C film processing as a service. This processing appeals to a youthful and artistic demographic. In a high-tech world, we’re finding that this low-tech take on traditional film processing has a loyal following. It renews enthusiasm for film capture. It’s crazy, it’s fun, and our customers love the look. If we can use it to help undernourished children lead better lives, I couldn’t ask for more. This is not a limited-time endeavor. We will continue as long as we have support.”

Derek Hinkle of Diversified Imaging Supply was touched to the point of joining forces. Hinkle says, “I will match Specialty Color Services’ donations through the end of the year, and spread the word to other organizations.”

Now Cano’s partner, Glen Hodges, wants to challenge manufacturers, suppliers, and other PMA members to do likewise. “At a time when so much news is grim, this is one small thing that can make a big difference. Even minimal contributions, when multiplied, can have a huge impact. Just 25 cents is enough to provide a full year of essential vitamins to a needy child.”

Vitamin Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to providing vitamins to children in vulnerable populations, currently distributes about 100 million doses of essential micronutrients annually. According to Vitamin Angels’ research, one third of all childhood deaths are caused by undernutrition, and an estimated 147 million children worldwide suffer from Vitamin A deficiency — a major underlying cause of child mortality and blindness.

To other photo labs, Cano and Hodges are offering yet another opportunity. “Coffee and Vitamin C processing is a perfect complement to the Holga camera movement. The two go hand-in-hand. If others in the industry wish to offer Coffee and Vitamin C processing but don’t have the facilities, we can provide this on an outlab basis. It’s another way to help the cause while providing something unique for your customers.”

To participate with matching funds to Vitamin Angels, or for more information about outlab services for Coffee and Vitamin C film processing, contact Glen Hodges at Specialty Color Services.