Category: Uncategorized

We are very happy to announce a new member of the Children’s Shelter of Hope Board – Pauline Wallis.  Pauline was born and brought up in New York City.  She worked for the public school system as a School Psychologist until her retirement in 2003.  She has been a winter resident of Puerto Vallarta for the last 9 years and has been actively involved in fundraising for RISE as the live auction chair.  Her concerns have always been the education and well being of children and as such she has become a board member. Her energy and creative ideas are a welcome addition to our small group of volunteer members.

 

When we checked last week on current needs at both RISE and Sendero, the clear response from staff and the children at both locations was Backpacks!! It seems that we are now half way through the school year and that is how long backpacks last here in Mexico with the heavy use they receive each day.  With 35 school-age children at RISE and the new project for Sendero at the New Beginnings center, supporting several hundred impoverished school-age children, THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN!  So, we at Children’s Shelter of Hope Foundation, are declaring February as the Month of the Mochila (Backpack).  For a donation of $20 US/CDN we can overcome this problem quickly and make many children very happy.  Please send your donation or make a contribution through PayPal, marked “For Backpacks” right away.

 

 

Yes, the biggest and by far the best event of the season, to benefit both RISE and Sendero, is now officially scheduled to occur on February 8, 2014 from 5 PM to 9 PM.  Attendees will once again be treated to amazing food from many of Vallarta´s finest restaurants, terrific live entertainment, live and silent auctions, and LOTS of fun at the stunningly beautiful Gran Salon of Resorts SECRETS Vallarta Bay/ NOW Amber.  Tickets will be on sale beginning January 1st.  Please contact Chris at chris@cshf-us.org for further information or to reserve tickets now.

I noticed something of great concern during one of my latest visits to meet some visitors and play with the children at RISE (Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza).  The four tires on the van are threadbare and dangerous. This is the vehicle that transports the children each weekday to their various schools, takes children to doctors´ appointments, and carries lucky, deserving ones on outings and to special events. And the tires on the small truck that is used to pick up food and other important supplies each week are no better.  In addition, both vehicles are badly in need of complete service.  I assured Sofia, the driver, that Children´s Shelter of Hope Foundation would put out a plea immediately to raise the necessary funds.  Tires in Mexico are expensive, and the van needs special 6-ply ones because of the weight and amount of people it carries (about $200 US each tire).  The truck tires will be closer to $100 US each.  The servicing for each vehicle can easily be $200 +.  So, here is your opportunity to give a really unique gift this holiday season that will make a BIG difference in the safety of these children.  Send your donation right away marked “Safety First” and we will send you a photo of a much safer van and truck.