Have you seen the people walking around downtown Raleigh wearing a red shirt that says Ambassador on the back? Did you know that they are walking the streets to help you downtown? I know it’s genius: someone downtown that you can ask for directions, help you find a parking garage, or help escort you to your car when it’s raining. I’m always amazed when I’m walking my two dogs or walking to work and I notice the ambassadors picking up trash, sweeping the sidewalks, or just saying “good morning”. This type of program is definitely a great amenity for living downtown.
Check out this video that explains more about the Ambassador Program.
The Downtown Raleigh Alliance oversees the Downtown Ambassador Clean and Safe Program, which aims to make the 110-block Business Improvement District an attractive place to live, work, or visit. In addition to providing the specialized services, the Ambassadors serve as additional eyes and ears for downtown by discouraging aggressive panhandlers and reporting problems to be addressed by the proper authorities.
Feel free to approach any of the Ambassadors for information, recommendations, directions, or a copy of the Discover Downtown Map and Guide.
Hopefully this has helped you and the next time you see one of those guys in the red shirt say hello and tell them thank you for keeping our downtown Raleigh clean and safe.
[Article written by Brian Reece, reposted from July 2009]