CROP Hunger Walk
- Steve Russo
- Jun 1, 2014
- 3 min read
Bringing awareness and financial support locally and worldwide. By Patty Hutchens. Photo by Julie Krezman.
It is something we witness all too often. Whether it is the national news showing pictures of starving children in third world countries or a plea from our local food banks for more food to stock their shelves, hunger is worldwide problem. Fortunately, there are organizations that are doing what they can to help reduce the epidemic and feed people not only across the world but also right here in our local community.
Two years ago, Bonners Ferry held its first CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk, raising not only awareness of local hunger but also contributing financially to help those who go hungry right here at home and throughout the world.
The Third Annual CROP Hunger Walk will take place on Saturday, June 7th from 8:30am to 2pm at the Bonners Ferry High School Track. According to Event Coordinator Judy Dirks, the 2012 Walk raised over $8,400 and last year’s receipts totaled $6770. Each year 25% of the money raised has benefited the Bonners Ferry Food Bank, which is run by Community Action Partnership. The remainder of the funds goes to Church World Service.
“This is a community event, with the overall sponsor an ecumenical organization, Church World Service, which is comprised of 37 denominations and about a dozen affiliates,” said Dirks stating that the portion of the funds that go to Church World Service help with hunger-related projects worldwide with a goal of reducing poverty, including hunger. But Church World Service does more than provide food and water. They also help provide resources to communities helping to inspire those battling hunger to meet their own needs. Money has been used to provide seeds, tools, wells, water systems and technical training just to name a few.
While the walk may be relatively new to Bonners Ferry, they have been taking place around the country for several years, the first being held in North Dakota in 1969. Today there are over 2000 walks nationwide.
“Basically the CROP walk is like a walk-a-thon or jog-a-thon. People get sponsors and then show up on the 7th between 8:30 am and 2 pm to do their laps at the BFHS Track,” said committee member Julie Krezman. “There is no required amount of laps. People can get per lap or flat rate pledges.”
In addition to Dirks and Krezman, there is a team of local residents that help bring the Bonners Ferry CROP walk to life. Included in that team are individuals who serve as the treasurer and recruiter as well as residents who are in charge of organizing logistics and publicity. “The local sponsor is our Ministerial Association,” said Dirks.
On June 7th, people can choose to walk at anytime between the hours of 8:30am and 2pm. There are many groups, such as the Scouts, churches and financial institutions who have a team of walkers participating in the event. While it is preferred that participants register ahead of time, they do accept registrations the day of the walk and encourage all participants to bring a donation. They have had approximately 70 walkers of all ages in the past and are hoping for more this year. They welcome strollers and wheelchairs on the track but bicycles, skateboards or animals are not allowed.
Dirks stresses that this is not a race, but rather a fun filled event for the whole family. She encourages people to go at their own pace and make as many laps around the track as they would like. “Water is furnished, but we prefer participants bring their own water bottle,” said Dirks.
For more information or to register you may go online to www.cropwalkonline.org. Donations may be made to those who have registered online as individuals or teams or to the Bonners Ferry Walk through that site. You may also contact Debbie Pauls at 208.267.7421 for a pledge sheet envelope to collect pledges.
Be sure to mark your calendars and get your walking shoes ready. You will not only have an opportunity to get out and enjoy a walk in the fresh air but also help a great cause too!
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