These CROP walks take place throughout the county, approximately 2,000 of them are held each year.
Former Saratoga Springs Mayor Ken Klotz has been an organizer and active participant in the local CROP Walk for several years.
“This is an event that epitomizes the concept of ‘think globally; act locally:each year we raise anywhere from $3-10,000 and a quarter of the money raised by this local walk is returned to the community in the form of a contribution to the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council.”
The balance of the funds raised are utilized for dozens of projects around the globe by the organizers, Church World Service (CWS). CWS is an organization of interdenominational religious groups that was founded immediately after WWII to help with reconstruction in Europe. Most recently CWS was active in providing for victims of flooding in Colorado. The primary purpose of CROP Walks since their inception in 1969 has been to raise funds to combat world hunger.
“Approximately 25-30,000 persons, roughly the population of Saratoga Springs, die each day from hunger, malnutrition and lack of access to clean water,” Klotz said. “We want people to be aware of this ongoing and serious problem and to participate in the walk in any way they can. This is a great community, a responsive community, a community that cares about helping people, whether that means helping fight poverty and homelessness in Saratoga Springs or starvation in Africa. The CROP Walk is one vehicle for residents to be part of a solution to these problems. There is no need to pre-register; they can just show up.”
On Sunday, crossing guards will be provided by the Skidmore College men’s soccer team. Contributions are entirely voluntary and can be made at the walk or on-line at www.cropwalk.org.
