When Jordan Nikiforuk heard that his great aunt had had a heart attack, he was aghast at first but then he took action.

Since January the five-year-old has been colouring and doodling his way through page after page of pictures.

“I’m raising money for heart research,” the five-year-old states. “I was upset that my auntie had a heart attack so I’m raising money and drawing pictures.”

Jordan has done so many pictures that his parents Kevin and Gina have turned the dining room of their Kingswood home into Jordan’s Art for Heart Gallery. Amid all of the images of people and animals, there’s a makeshift donation dish, made out of popsicle sticks by the artist’s own hand, and it’s filled with cash.

The creative young philanthropist has been taking a binder full of his pictures to school, to Beaver Scout meetings, and everywhere else, offering them up for sale to whoever is interested.

“Jordan came up with this idea all on his own,” Gina said, adding that he even set a goal of $300.

“I passed!” Jordan said, an unwavering smile on his face.

In three months, he has brought in more than $500, all of which is going straight to the Mazankowski Alberta Health Institute. He couldn’t provide an exact number of works that he’s sold.

“Lots!” he said.

“The Mazankowski actually had a Heart Pledge Day,” Gina continued. “My aunt happened to be in the hospital recovering from her heart bypass surgery at the same time. He took down what he had raised so far and he was like a celebrity! The hospital has asked that they use his name and his story on their website.”

For his part, Jordan has no plans to stop making and selling art for charity any time soon.

To make an appointment to view the private gallery, please e-mail Jordan’s father Kevin at kevinwn@shaw.ca.

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