Many of you read and generously responded to our “Addendum – Fire” special newsletter sent out on April 14thabout the devastating fire that destroyed the meager homes of four families living in the area adjacent to the old dump. Bety recently offered this happy update.
Andy and Janet Stevenson from New Beginnings were able to purchase building materials and necessary supplies right away because of donations received from Children’s Shelter of Hope Foundation. The four families, including 10 children, stayed at the New Beginnings facility and were fed each day free of charge until mid-May when they were able to move into their newly rebuilt homes.
A team of young adults from Canada came in early May and took on the construction project. It was recommended by DIF, a Mexican government agency that oversees the needs of children and families, that the new homes be built with tar paper, as before, so that others living in the area would not think that burning their house down is an easy way to get a much better place to live (a sad reality); however, the construction of the four new homes was done with wood beams and more solid techniques, and the homes are substantially larger and more comfortable for the families than before. Each home now has electricity and a functioning bathroom. They have been furnished with new beds/bedding and other necessary furniture; kitchen appliances and needed cookware/food/paper goods/etc.; and each family member has plenty of new clothes and shoes.
All of these fire victims, along with the people at New Beginnings and Sendero de Esperanza y Amor and the board members of Children’s Shelter of Hope Foundation, would like to extend a very special MIL GRACIAS to those of you who jumped in to help during this emergency situation. Life is much better now for these families because of your efforts.
The children at RISE enjoyed a very special outing, thanks to a generous donation to CSHF, during their two-week school break for Semana Santa – a trip to Rancho Capomo, a beautiful restaurant/ranch in Las Palmas about an hour outside of Puerto Vallarta. All of the children and staff were treated to a full day of swimming and playing on a large, well equipped
AND, another miraculous improvement has been made at RISE. A frequent volunteer and VERY GENEROUS contributor noticed the need for a much larger refrigerator to replace the two tired out small ones that have attempted to keep food cold and fresh for the 40 + children living there for way too long. From his past business experience he was convinced that what was needed was an industrial walk-in style refrigerator. Hard to find in a place like Puerto Vallarta?? – not really. You just need to have the vision and persistence to have it made. After a couple of weeks of negotiation and preparation the new HUGE refrigerator is now installed and fully functioning. The cook, Cira, and the 3 Madres are amazed; the children are excited to see such a thing and are enjoying the increase in cold beverages, fresh fruits and vegetables, etc., and, some of the volunteers are looking forward to spending time inside it picking out lunch items during the long, hot summer months. If you plan to be in Puerto Vallarta during the next few months please help to keep this refrigerator and the pantry full by donating food items such as yogurt, cheese, fruits and vegetables.
At least that is what my sister, Susan (AKA – The Sock Fairy and our foundation Treasurer) said during her recent visit to Puerto Vallarta as she delivered over 132 pairs of colorful, sturdy socks donated through her by SmartWool in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The Sock Fairy, in full costume, delighted the children at Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (RISE) with her bright green wig and sock outfit, as she distributed new pairs of socks to every child. In addition, several pairs of socks were given out to all of the children who came for “Homework Club” at Sendero de Esperanza y Amor on the day that the Sock Fairy arrived.
The children at RISE enjoy visits from November through April as well fromThe Shoe Fairy. Although lacking a cute costume and wig, the Shoe Fairy is able to work some magic several times each month by whisking away five or so deserving children in her car to buy new school shoes or tennis shoes and usually a treat afterwards of ice cream or nachos (a new favorite choice this year). Over this past high season in Puerto Vallarta the Shoe Fairy has been able to purchase 63 pairs of shoes because of donations from amazing contributors like Micaela Hurtuk who has raised over $600 since January to help the Shoe Fairy. A donation of $25 will buy a new pair of school shoes or tennis shoes and a special treat for a child at RISE and will help them to believe in the magic of fairies forever.
One of our board members, Teresa, recently told us about an amazing man she met begging near the beach – Pedro. This special 24-year-old, pictured below with his wife and two children, lost both of his legs and one arm when he accidently touched an electrical wire while working at a construction site here in Puerto Vallarta about 5 years ago. Through the months following this devastating accident, his life seemed bleak as his wife gave birth to their second child. Pedro, who lives in a rented home with no electricity or running water in a remote area outside of PV, decided that to move forward with his life he must be able to drive his car again, so he and his father devised an intricate system of sticks, platforms, and levers in the cab of his car. He now drives into town each day to look for handouts and donations by pressing the gas pedal and braking with the muscles in his butt, and steering with his one arm.
Pedro has a positive attitude about his future now, but needs some help from us. Teresa’s goal, with support from CSHF, is to purchase a small piece of land and build a real house for Pedro and his family. In addition, through the Sendero SOS- Sponsor One Student program, we want to send Pedro to school to learn English and computer skills that will open doors for employment and opportunities for a productive fulfilling life.
Yet another miracle occurred recently for the children living at RISE. A visitor during the holiday season came to RISE and saw a need – a more appropriate play structure specifically for the younger children who are in the nursery area upstairs – and then went home to tell all of her friends in the Beverly Shores, Indiana area about it. Over the course of a month donations began to arrive to Children’s Shelter of Hope Foundation regularly marked “For the Swings.” By mid-March sufficient funds were raised by this magnificent group to purchase an amazingly wonderful structure complete with a play house, slide, two 
swings, and a rocker swing. By late March the structure was delivered and assembled and the “swinging good time” began. Another volunteer noted that the weather is heating up now, limiting the use of this special addition, and last week donated enough money for the purchase of a large carport canopy so the children can now swing and slide in the comfort of shade. THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU who have made this happen or have participated in other miracles to make the children happy through your love.