Alejandro (or Alex) is four years old and has been at the Refugio with his older sister, Guadalupe, since he was one. 

As an active, happy toddler he loves spending time in the Stimulation Center building with blocks, playing with cars, and doing art projects. 

He is very smart and particularly enjoys talking about pictures in books he reads with his special volunteer friend Dianne.  Alex?s favorite color is green and he has a good appetite at meal times. 

He is very excited to go to ?kinder?  school this year and have a backpack like the big kids. 

His mother, who lives on the beach, comes to visit him regularly.

Turtle Release at the Marriott CasaMagna

The generous staff at the Marriott CasaMagna Hotel in the Marina once again stepped forward in support of the children living at Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (RISE), a children?s shelter here in Puerto Vallarta.  They recently invited the children plus several volunteers to come to the hotel and enjoy a movie and treats.  Then, at sunset, all ventured out onto the beach to experience the thrill of releasing several hundred baby turtles into the sea.  The slight drizzle of rain did nothing to dampen spirits.  Cheers of encouragement rang out from the children as the tiny turtles reached the surf, followed by shouts of ?buena suerte?  (good luck) as they swam away.  It truly was a magical evening combining nature and children with lots of joy and love.

For those of you who are new to Vallarta or unfamiliar with this wonderful children's shelter, Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza is a non-profit full care center which currently supports the physical, psychological, and educational needs of 48 children ranging in age from 1- to 16 years.  While some of the children are placed at RISE voluntarily by their families who are struggling and not able to care for their children, many arrive through DIF (government social service agency) to avoid further dangerous, abusive, and neglectful situations.  Financial stability, along with education, medical, and building improvement needs are always of concern at RISE as it operates almost entirely on donations.

For more specific information about RISE please view their Web site at www.refugio-infantil.org

Visits to RISE between the hours of 10 A.M.  and 2 P.M.  Monday through Friday or 10 A.M.  to 5 P.M.  on Saturdays can be arranged by calling RISE adminstrator Sol Martinez Maciel, at (322) 222-7857 or by emailing her at elsoldevallarta@hotmail.com

Monetary and material donations are always welcome and are tax deductible:

in the USA through Children?s Shelter of Hope Foundation (www.childrens-shelter-of-hope-foundation.org)

and in Canada through Canadian Children?s Shelter of Hope Foundation (www.canadianchildrensshelterofhope.org)