OCTOBER 3
Looking to make a difference in these trying times, the Parker CROP Hunger Walk has set a goal of 100 Walkers and hopes to raise $8,000 to help stop hunger and poverty here in our community and around the world through self-help initiatives.  A quarter of the funds raised here in Parker will go to the Parker Task Force Food Bank to help local families.
Last year, more than 60 Walkers raised more than $6,000 in this locally organized CROP Hunger Walk.

Walkers will gather at 8:30 a.m. at McCabe Meadows (formerly East Bank Trailhead) to enjoy music, refreshments, and educational activities that explain the work accomplished through dollars raised by CROP Walks and its sponsor organization, Church World Service.  Mayor David Casiano will officially kick-off the Walk at 9:00 a.m. after a welcoming remarks and a flag ceremony presented by Boy Scout Troop 16.

The Walk will proceed for 3.3 miles north along the beautiful Cherry Creek Trail.  As you walk you may reflect on the many things we take for granted but are lacking for millions of people around the world:  things like clean water, sufficient food to feed our families, shelter, and medicines. 

East Africa is one part of the world where CROP Hunger Walks are making a big difference today.  With the number of hungry growing across Africa because of harsh economic conditions, Church World Service’s food security program in East Africa is assisting marginalized households and communities to ensure access to sufficient food year-round.  The effort’s four main areas of focus are food production, food accessibility, food utilization and asset creation.

In the U.S., CROP Hunger Walks continue to play a role in the continuing saga of Gulf Coast rebuilding, as families still struggle to rebuild their lives post-Katrina.

 
THIS YEAR, PARKER’S CROP WALK WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2009, at the Cherry Creek Trail East Bank Trailhead (McCabe Meadows) across from Parker United Methodist Church..  Registration and fun activities begin at 8:30 a.m and the walk starts at 9:00 a.m.

How can you help with the CROP Walk?

• walk in the CROP Walk and ask friends and relatives to sponsor you
  
• volunteer to set up, clean up, or help with registration on the day of the walk
• make a monetary pledge in support of a CROP Walker

If you have questions or would like to participate in the CROP Walk, please e-mail  Laurie at office@matthewinparker.com or call the St. Matthew’s parish office at (303) 841-0121.

  Please visit the Parker CropWalk Page at
cropwalkinparker.org

or go directly to St Matthew's Team Site at
St Matts Crop Walk Team