“We simply wanted to showcase the talent of the photographers on the forum, whilst simultaneously raising money for a good cause,” said Bill Palmer of the idea he shared on the International Leica User Forum last year. “The response was overwhelming, both in the number and quality of images submitted from contributors worldwide.”

One year later that idea has come to fruition with “The Leica User Forum Charity Book 2010,” which features 143 images made by 101 Leica Forum members chosen from 600 submissions and includes a foreward from Rudolf Spiller, Chief Executive of Leica AG. Proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the UK-based Association for International Cancer Research (AICR). Nearly €9,000 have been raised so far through the creation and publication of the book.

We are continuously inspired by Leica Camera enthusiasts and today, because of the momentum started on the Leica forum, we are happy to announce that we will be helping raise awareness and funds for AICR. The primary focus of our initiative will be on Twitter. We are donating €0.50 to AICR for every new follower to our account, @leica_camera. Upon reaching 10,000 followers by Friday, July 9, an additional €1,000 will be donated to AICR!

We need your help! Simply follow us on Twitter to contribute to AICR.  To participate, you need a Twitter account and then go to http://www.twitter.com/leica_camera and click the “Follow” option. If you’re already following us or just want to help spread the word more, please tweet, “Help @AICR & follow @Leica_Camera! Every follower=.50 donation. 10K followers by July 9=extra 1,000 donation! #LEICA4AICR”

In addition to the funds being raised on Twitter, we will also be posting special blog posts dedicated to the ‘Leica for AICR’ initiative throughout July. Each blog post will have a special banner so that readers will know that it is part of the special series which will include exclusive interviews with the instigators of the ‘Leica User Forum Book’ and photographers whose photos are featured in the book.

For those who are connected with us on Facebook, today we are also launching a photo contest on our page as part of the ‘Leica for AICR’ initiative. Fans can upload pictures to the Wall dedicated to AICR with a special badge and caption. Every week there will be a different theme inspired by a chapter from the ‘Leica User Forum Book’ for the photo contest. One photo from each week’s theme will be selected to be featured in the Leica profile picture on Facebook! For details on how to participate, visit our page on Facebook.

If you’re interested in purchasing the book it is available through the online publishing company Blurb.  Stay tuned for more about Bill Palmer, “The Leica User Forum Charity Book 2010” and Leica’s fund raising efforts throughout July.

-Leica Internet Team