Our guest speaker today was Louise McCook, who spoke about the work being done to improve conditions at an orphanage in Mazatlan.  Louise, along with other Snowbirds, volunteers at the orphanage during the winter months.
Louise explained that thanks to the efforts of volunteers, the orphanage has come from a rundown facility with poor food to a happy home for 17- 40 children, who are now fed fresh vegetables and hot lunches. The buildings and grounds have been fixed up and restored; a new gate and fencing has been built around the property and good lighting installed; these improvements have built confidence in the children. In the above photo, a local chef is giving cooking lessons to the children, who also receive good dental care.  The work is on going.  A transition facility is needed for boys over the age of 18, and air-conditioning is a concern for the hot summer months.