Kensington -
Hannah Harrington's gift to the IWK is one that keeps on giving.
Last year, the 11-year-old from Spring Valley helped organize an art show at her school to benefit the children's hospital.
One year later, the Heart Art show has become an annual event and has expanded to West Prince, said Lynn Anne Hogan, a local IWK representative.
"For the first year we thought (raising) $200 would be great. We ended up getting more than $1,700," said Hogan. "It's great because the kids have pride in their work and a sense of accomplishment that someone bought their paintings."
The idea for the shows came about when Hannah's younger brother Quinn had to stay at the IWK as an infant.
Quinn, who's now 3, was born with a heart condition that required surgery.
Parents Alan and Val, split their time between taking care of their baby boy in Halifax and their children at home.
Then one day, Hannah came home from school with a fistful of change. She had collected money for the hospital by selling paintings she made to classmates at Queen Elizabeth Elementary.
With Hogan's help, the Harringtons expanded on the idea to have all the school's students produce works of art and opened the show to the public.
This year's Heart Art show takes place at both Queen Elizabeth and Bloomfield elementary schools and will feature hundreds of pieces of student art.
"You can make a donation of whatever amount you want because we wanted everybody to be able to buy it. Every penny really does count," said Hogan.
The first is today from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Bloomfield Elementary. The Queen Elizabeth Elementary show is Friday from 12:15 to 2:30 p.m. Both are open to the public.
sbrun@journalpioneer.com
