It’s time to grab your red shoes, your friends and your co-workers.
So says Maggies Resource Centre, co-organizer of a new fundraiser in the community.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, is a symbolic one-mile walk where men step into women’s high heels to raise awareness about domestic violence and gender-based harm.
Organized for the first time in Bancroft by OPP Sgt. Trevor Pitts and Melissa St. Pierre, the centre’s executive director, the walk is designed to spark empathy and meaningful conversation while supporting the victims of domestic violence.
St. Pierre says everyone is encouraged to come out.
“Our goal is to bring allies, community members and community partners together to break the cycle of domestic violence. Our financial goal is $25,000 and I know we can do it. We’re such an amazing small town.”
Funds raised will support the centre, as it provides services and supports for all women and children victimized by violence, offering safe shelter, advocacy, and education.
The Walk a Mile event begins at 10 a.m. on May 27, in the parking lot across from TD Bank, and ends at Millennium Park, where participants will enjoy live music, food, prizes, and community celebration.
Pitts says he’s encouraging fellow first responders to come out for the cause.
“I’m throwing out a challenge to our first responders, people like our paramedics, our fire departments our MNR forest fire crews, hydro, bell, roads department– to really get behind this event and create their own teams, because the more people that we can have out the better.”
Added: St. Pierre: “This is the first year, and we know it’s the start of something meaningful.”
St Pierre says they have been working on gathering up some extras people can use.
To register or learn more visit Walk a Mile Bancroft. or email [email protected].
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes began in 2001 and the walks have happened yearly ever since, with men, women and families taking part across the globe.
