Talking about domestic violence is never easy, but neither is men walking in bright red high heels. On Saturday, Feb. 24, local men strutted their stuff to start the conversation and raise money for the Dr.
Talking about domestic violence is never easy, but neither is men walking in bright red high heels.
On Saturday, Feb. 24, local men strutted their stuff to start the conversation and raise money for the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre (DMSCC) Bonnyville Community Support Office.
This is the second time the DMSCC has hosted the Walk-a-Mile In Her Shoes in Bonnyville. This year, the high-heeled men raised nearly $6,000.
For executive director of the DMSCC Susan White, it means the world to have the support of the community.
"I'm so glad that we came to Bonnyville. I know that there's a need, and you can see that people really appreciate that we're here," White expressed. "Community support is important financially, but also for the support of the community itself. By the community showing support, it shows those who need our services that it's okay and they can reach out."
Walk-a-Mile In Her Shoes is about raising awareness for domestic violence in a fun way. The DMSCC has chosen to use the Bonnyville Pontiacs game as a platform for their fundraising efforts.
Head coach of the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs Rick Swan, said the team is thrilled to offer their help with the event.
"There is absolutely zero tolerance for domestic violence in our society. We're teaching young men, who are also role models, at this age where kids look up to them, that we support that awareness."
Throughout the night, men walked the stands in high heels, seeking donations for the Bonnyville Support Office. At the end of the night, the donations were tallied, and the man who had raised the most was handed the Walk-a-Mile In Her Shoes award.
Although there wasn't a confirmed number, it was clear to the DMSCC who had earned the title of top-fundraiser.
Marc Jubinville grinned from ear-to-ear as he accepted the trophy for the 2018 event.
Walk-a-Mile In Her Shoes wasn't started in Bonnyville. In fact, it's hosted in communities around the globe as a way of getting the word out about domestic violence.
"This really started out as an international movement to get men involved in creating awareness and standing up against domestic violence and violence against women," explained Serina Parsons, education coordinator for the DMSCC. "These men really were brave enough to say 'hey, what are we going to do about this?'"
She added, just like talking about the issue of domestic violence, wearing high-heeled shoes is uncomfortable.
"That's the point of it. They're going around and getting a new appreciation and having fun, all while supporting a very important cause."
In total, nine men took part in the event this year, a slight dip from previous participation.
However, there were some, like Trevor Letondre, who have taken part time and time again.
"Domestic violence is a huge passion of mine, and so is raising awareness and trying to stop it," said Letondre.
As someone who has suffered from domestic violence, the issue has become near and dear to his heart. That is one of the reasons why he has participated in three local Walk-a-Mile fundraisers.
White said, "I think this event is so much fun, because people can make a statement, but it also gets them talking. Domestic violence is something we don't always want to talk about. This gets people talking about it, and it's really an awareness thing. You never really know who you are until you walk a mile in someone else's shoes."
