Artist’s Work To Help Orphans
 Bruce Campbell - High River Times
| | The impact of the orphanage on the Harrisons’ children makes them more appreciative of home. |
Deborah and Ken Harrison are like a lot of families - they head for Mexico for a little relaxation.
However, during their trips since 1989 they include mission work. On their most recent trip to Puerto Vallarta in December, the Harrisons and four of their five children visited Casa Hogar Maximo Cornejo orphanage. There are about 70 children living there ranging in ages between two months and 14 years. The orphanage is located in an impoverished part of Puerto Vallarta.
“The children are there as a result of parents imprisoned, AIDS or abandonment,” Deborah said. “One of the kids we met was three years old, whose mother was arrested and sentenced to 15 years in jail, with no chance of parole. It was the plight of the children at the orphanage that inspired us to use Ken’s talent as a way of raising money.”
Ken’s latest painting portrays two young girls, looking at gift bags the Harrisons gave them for Christmas 2004. The bags included small toys, toothbrushes, hair clips, some school supplies and always candy.
The impact of the orphanage on the Harrisons’ children, Lana, 27, Morgan, 25; Annie, 16; Jussie, 13 and Katie, 11, makes them more appreciative of home.
It’s not always a day on the beach for the children when they go to Mexico.
“They get involved,” Deborah said. “They take part by handing out candy and toys and spending time with the kids. Annie asked, while holding a baby: ‘Am I going to catch anything?’ because the baby was all blotchy. I said: ‘No, you will be taken care of.’”
“Even when you think you have a good sense of their life and how impoverished they are - something will suddenly hit you, like not having any doctor’s care,” Ken said. “Through the proceeds of this limited edition print, we will build a playground at the orphanage, with the remainder going towards eye care, doctors visits, dental and food.”
They will be heading back to Mexico soon. “We’re hoping to go back in May - depending on print sales” Deborah said.
The Harrisons are off to a good start in raising the money. “The local support from businesses has been incredible,” Ken said. “There have been several businesses and people who have bought prints. |
Vallarta Weddings
Vallarta Living | April 2005 
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