Altrusa International of Mexico, MO. Inc., met on Jan. 23, at noon at The Oaks for their program meeting. The meeting was called to order by Co-President Suzanne Pursifull followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. There were 19 members in attendance along with one guest.

Committee reports were as follows: 

• Finance Ways & Means are working on a breakfast fundraiser. 
• Literacy reported on the Little Libraries and stated they are looking for Altrusa magnets to put on it. 
• Community Service gave an update on the International Project. Altrusa was able to donate $350 to the Father Ray Foundation in Pattaya, Thailand. The foundation provides care and educational services to 850 disadvantaged children and students with disabilities. With the help of Collin Tanzey, Altrusa was able to get the funds to them. They were able to buy a television with a wall mount, a large barbecue grill to use for the children’s celebrations, as well as high-pressure water pump. The pump is used to clean the 15 washing machines that they use for all the children in the village. Maintaining the cleanliness of these machines is extremely important for the children’s health and hygiene. They thanked Altrusa for the funds and stated that it has made a difference in improving the quality of life of the children of the village. 
• Hospitality is working on the Club’s birthday party. 
• Special events thank members who attended the Bunco social.

Members were reminded of the upcoming District Conference in Kansas City, April 25 – 27.

Heather Brinker with Connor’s Avengers, Fight Against Fentanyl, spoke to the club about losing her son, Connor on July 4, 2023 to fentanyl poisoning. Heather explained that a fatal dose of fentanyl is equivalent to two grains of salt. In August 2023 Heather started Connor’s Avengers, Fight Against Fentanyl. They started with 470 members and now have over 5,400. Many of these members have lost a loved one to fentanyl. These families face stigma, even though fentanyl deaths do not discriminate. She didn’t want any parent to go through what she has. Through Connor’s Avengers, they offer support to other families that have gone through a loss. 

Some of the ways they bring awareness to the community are participating in area parades, events, mouse races, and billboards. This spring would have been Connor’s high school prom. Therefore, Heather is planning a prom fundraiser in Connor’s memory. Connor’s Avengers also are placing Narcan boxes around area communities. Narcan can be used to reverse the effects of the overdose until medical help arrives. Donations are welcome so they can purchase informational brochures, posters and to help with postage for the Narcan.