We had a chance to highlight the great work that Ralph and Cathy have been doing for Walking For Rochester, so we decided to catch up with them. Please enjoy!
Together, Ralph and Cathy have attended at least 35 cleanups over the past three years, on top of regularly taking care of litter right in their own downtown neighborhood.
Thank you, Ralph and Cathy, for your continued dedication to keeping Rochester clean!
Ralph:
Why do you volunteer for Walking For Rochester?
It’s a worthwhile program, easy to participate as time allows, and the coordinator (Dan too) is friendly, helpful, and supportive. We started “walking” to make our neighborhood a bit nicer. It’s the type of activity once you start, it’s hard to stop!
Do you think you are making a difference in your community?
I sure hope so. While the trash does come back, unfortunately, the good thing is that many people recognize what we’re doing and express their appreciation. I often think about the plastics we are taking out of the waste stream before entering the Genesee River and Lake Ontario. I hope that someday, just maybe, people will think twice before littering a clean street!
What are you looking forward to about the release of the Walking For Rochester mobile app?
The app is great. It will provide more incentive for people to get out there as they now can measure and record their impact. It will also allow participants to report problem areas that they really can’t handle themselves.
From Cathy: For me picking up trash is a restorative (stress relief) experience. I also have (much like Ralph) an environmental stewardship and civic pride. The “helper’s high” I get keeps bringing me back.
The app is a fantastic addition to the whole experience. To be able to track progress is 👍👍