WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) -- Conflict can happen anywhere and to anyone, but one local non-profit is committed to to helping the region through mediation conflict coaching. This year, the Community Dispute Resolution Center is holding a hike-a-thon to raise money for their cause.

Since 1992, the Community Dispute Resolution Center has provided the Finger Lakes Region with resources and services relating to conflict resolution and coaching, as well as mediation. CDRC is a certified non-profit that partners with local organizations to educate the people on how to work through issues with others productively and with respect. 

"Conflict puts us in a spin," says Gina Tinker-Williams, executive director of CRDC, "We're not our best selves and we don't treat each other the best and we're confused, we're overwhelmed on what to do. And it's like that fight or flight going on in our brain."

This weekend will feature their first fundraising venture, a two-day multi-team hike-a-thon.  The end of the hike will symbolize the journeys that many people take to solve issues that arise - often centered around personal choices and differences.

Jeremy Cranmer, CRDC's program director and hike participant outlined the plans for each hike group, "We're gonna have four people going from Ithaca to Watkins Glen hiking 42 miles in two days. And we have another eight people that are going to be hiking 12 miles from Pine Valley to Watkins Glen, hopefully going to meet around the same time in Clute Park around 5:00 P.M. on Saturday for a big celebration that we made it."

The meeting point reflects upon the loss of the Schuyler County office during the COVID pandemic, but also serves to highlight CDRC's continued service and contributions to the community. 

Donations are being accepted on CDRC's website: https://cdrc.eventsbarker.com/2023-hike-a-thon/Campaign/Details