The Bruce Harlen Love Legacy

Bruce Jay Harlen died suddenly on July 6, 2014 while on his honeymoon with his bride Lora in Cambodia. He was just 35 years old, an artist and a popular barista with plans to become an animator. This tragedy has profoundly impacted all who knew and loved him, and has been particularly difficult for his children Ruby 11, Ari, 9, and Nina, 6. Their daddy missed their birthdays this year and simply won’t be there for all the events and challenges they will encounter as they grow.

All three children have special needs. Ruby has an orthopedic condition requiring custom orthotics and physiotherapy, Ari has asthma that is at times debilitating and Nina has won an outstanding student award at her school -- her mother would like to encourage her success with gifted programs and activities.

It’s been nearly a year since their father passed, a year of tears and questions and sad and scary feelings. Bruce was a hands on parent, changing nappies, making dinners, giving the kids their baths and tucking them in good night. He loved his children more than anything, and when Bruce loved you, you felt it. He gave the best cuddles in the world!

We can’t give his children a cuddle from their dad, but we can raise funds for their support and education, we can help buffer these three delightful and talented young people from the world’s harshness and give them options for their future. The money you donate will help pay for school fees and special programs, health care, orthodontics, sports, swimming classes, school trips, clothes, computers and even hopefully university expenses.

And it will relieve some of the stress their mother feels when confronted with bills she can’t pay.

Bringing up three young children is a full time job, however she will soon be required to return to work. It’s a daunting proposition to find suitable employment around school hours and to make matters more difficult, Ally’s mom, the kids’ grandmother and part time caregiver, has recently suffered a debilitating stroke and also needs supervision and assistance.

Every little bit helps, and you can be assured that every little bit will go directly into a trust account for the children.