If you were traveling in the area of Joslyn and Baldwin Roads in Orion Township on Sunday afternoon, you might be wondering what had so many walkers taking to the safety paths.
The answer is more than just warm temperatures and sunny, blue skies: The 24th Annual CROP Walk, sponsored by Church World Service, was held around the nation on May 7.
The North Oakland County walk was hosted again this year at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church on Waldon Road. This year’s organizers set a goal of raising $37,000, to help support sustainable self-help and development, disaster relief and refugee assistance in more than 80 countries.
Last year, local CROP Walkers raised $33,761, and 25 percent of the total raised this year will stay in the area, supporting worthwhile causes such as Oxford/Orion FISH, St. Vincent DePaul in Pontiac, and the Baldwin Avenue Center.
The 2006 co-chairs, Lisa Kielinen of St.Mary’s-in-the-Hills Episcopal Church, and Ann McKinley of Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ, estimated that 273 people took part in the walk held in Orion, but said they would not have a final total for pledges until all are turned in by June 1.
‘It’s really exciting, because last year we placed 11th out of the CROP Walks held in the entire state, and 67th out of the entire United States,? said McKinley, adding that 1,800 CROP Walks take place across the nation each year.
‘There are a lot of places a lot bigger than us,? she said. ‘So it’s really something for us to do that well.?
Before heading out, the walkers were addressed by CROP Walk Regional Director David Boyer, who shared information from some of his recent travels in Africa.
‘I want you to know why you’re walking today,? he said. ‘They need safe drinking water and schools…our walking today will provide them, in places like Kenya and Uganda.
‘The biggest difference we can make is helping people help themselves,? Boyer said.
Ellen Myer celebrated her 16th birthday by bringing some friends to the walk, representing Christ the Redeemer.
‘Anyone can do it,? she said of the route. ‘I’ve done it before…it’s always really fun.?
Lori Ferrari of Oxford was taking part in her first CROP walk, along with her sisters, Becky and Alyssa Rathburg of Leonard.
‘I wanted to help those in need around the world and in our community,? she said. ‘My sisters are here walking in support of me.?
Don Spencer of Oxford, who will be pastor of Community of Christ Church in Lake Orion this June, has participated in many CROP Walks, and said he liked how the event helped to bring scripture to life, while also being fun.
Kathy Kozachik of Lake Orion United Methodist Church walked with her dog, Molly, and said she was getting back into walking, something she did when her children were younger.
‘Molly and I have been walking a lot together, to train,? she said.
Fifteen area churches took part in this year’s walk, including: Christ the Redeemer, Community of Christ, Christ the King, Dominican Convent, Howarth United Methodist, Immanuel Congregational UCC, King of Kings Lutheran, LOUMC, Oxford United Methodist, Paint Creek United Methodist, St. Mary’s, St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Trinity Lutheran, Thomas United Methodist, and Lakeville United Methodist, winners of this year’s Golden Shoe award.
The Golden Shoe is awarded to the group with the highest percentage increase over their previous best year’s fundraising. LUMC increased their previous best year by 80 percent.
Also taking part in this year’s walk was Sunny Day Preschool of Lake Orion, and Oxford/Orion FISH, who sent volunteers to the event to man rest stops along the route.