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 Vallarta Living | April 2006 
RISE in Puerto Vallarta
 Keith Amo - PVNN
| | If you are able to help even in a very small way, the kids who live in this wonderful place can continue to “bloom and grow” through the spring, summer, and fall months. |
Puerto Vallarta - As spring has begun here in the the Banderas Bay area, once again we have seen many changes at the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (RISE.) We experienced a large growth of children during the later part of February and early March, and currently are providing for 50 children.
We have been blessed by many volunteers and visitors during the winter months who have helped to make the work load lighter for the Madres (nuns) and have provided much needed basic supplies and donations.
The children, as always, are happy, energetic, and healthy - thanks in part to a visit by 4 wonderful volunteer dentists again in January, the US-based Children’s Hunger Fund that have provided us with generous amount of fortified “Usanimals” vitamins, and Dr. Peter Gordon, who is again doing physical check-ups on each one of our children at a very reduced rate.
Our annual fundraising event on February 18th was once again a HUGE success. The children’s performance in particular touched many people’s hearts. However, as you can imagine our projects and needs at the Refugio continue to be many. A new roof over the laundry room area is the current construction project with poor Madre Chuy dealing for weeks now with piles of clothing in the patio area waiting to be washed, folded or ironed.
Later this year we hope to complete the grassed area along with a small bathroom and additional storage for food supplies in the area in front of the building; lighting for exterior areas; ceramic tiles over some roof areas; and unfinished iron work needed by the gates, doors, kitchen and garden areas.
However, our major concern continues to be funds for simply operating and providing for basic needs for the children at a cost currently of slightly over $5,000 US per month, which requires LOTS of donations.
If you are able to help even in a very small way, our resources for supporting this wonderful place can continue to “bloom and grow” through the spring, summer, and fall months.
There are two ways to donate:
1. Send your check directly to the Refugio at: Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza, R. Flores Magon #251, Col. Benito Juarez, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48389
or
2. Send your check for a USA-tax deductible contribution to: Children’s Shelter of Hope Foundation, 505 N. Tomahawk Is. Dr., Portland, OR 97217
If you are planning to visit Puerto Vallarta during the summer months, you can volunteer to help at the Refugio. The children are all out of school by the end of June and many of the "snowbirds" go back to the US or Canada, so having volunteers is very important to giving the children individual attention and helping to keep things running smoothly.
For more information about the Refugio, please refer your friends and family to the Refugio website at www.refugioinfantil.com or the foundation website at www.childrens-shelter-of-hope-foundation.org.
SPRING WISH LIST FOR THE REFUGIO
Shorts - girls and boys all sizes from age 6 months through 13 years old
Socks for girls - again size 6 months to 13 years with preference to white knee highs for the older girls
Larger sized diaper, diaper rash cream, talcum powder, baby bottles, and children's scissors
Washing machine |
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