A fun, engaging and educational charity event is coming up to help the Camrose Women’s Shelter and raise awareness of domestic violence in the region July 28.
“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is a charitable event that gives men, or anyone in the community, a chance to show their understanding, empathy and support for women in abusive relationships or who’ve been the victims of domestic violence.
“This year’s event will take place during the Big Valley Jamboree Parade and we look forward to a successful campaign, as men join together to raise awareness and show their support in the international walk to end violence and sexual assault against women and children,” stated Norma-Lee Rear, Camrose Women’s Shelter Society executive director.
“This year’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign will be in support of “raising the roof” at the shelter, as we require a new roof.”
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes provides a supply of bright red high-heeled shoes for men to wear as they literally walk a mile in the shoes of a victim of abuse. Most participants also collect pledges to donate to charity.
In a previous interview Rear noted that the shelter serves more than just the City of Camrose. She noted women from Leduc, Wetaskiwin, Millet and other communities have all been given help at the shelter.
Pipestone Flyer editor Stu Salkeld is participating in this year’s event, and is gratefully collecting pledges for this very worthy cause. To pledge, call The Pipestone Flyer at 780-387-5797 or drop by the Flyer office on Hwy #2A in Millet.
“From past experience, we know that many walkers appreciate receiving their shoes as soon as possible so they can display them and perhaps practice walking in them,” stated Rear. “Therefore, prior to the walk we will plan a shoe distributing day, at Sole City Shoes, for walkers to try on shoes and take a pair home. Details of the “shoe fitting” date will be forwarded as soon as details are finalized.
“Please feel free to be creative and have fun while preparing for and soliciting sponsors for our Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. Many walkers use pictures of themselves in their red high heels on their Facebook page to promote their involvement and to gather sponsors from friends and family. Others display their shoes in their businesses to promote awareness. Some walkers recruit a buddy, or a rival business, to challenge to join the walk, and we encourage participants to promote their own companies or organizations at the event by wearing company shirts or carrying banners.”
If you have questions or comments about joining this year’s event please contact the shelter at 780-679-4978 or email admin@camrosewomenshelter.org.