Men, it’s time to kick-off those comfy shoes and trade them in for a pair of red high heels.
For the third year in a row, the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre (DMSCC) is hosting Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, an event started in the United States to raise awareness about domestic violence.
This year, local men will be strutting their stuff downtown Cold Lake on Sept. 28 starting at 2 p.m.
Cindy Yang, resource development coordinator for the DMSCC said it all kicks off at the former Cold Lake City GM parking lot located on main street.
“We’re hopeful that place will attract a bit more attention,” she expressed.
Not only is the walk an opportunity to bring a important issue to the forefront of the community’s mind, it also works as a fundraiser for the local women’s shelter.
This year's Walk a Mile will be held on Sept. 28.
“We find it’s a great way to engage in conversations about such a serious topic, but it brings a fun and more creative way to talk and break down those barriers to hopefully start those conversations,” Yang stated.
As always, the money raised is to support the DMSCC’s current or future programs and resources.
Yang explained, “It’s going to come back into our shelter… It could go toward funding our programming, our helpline, which we have people from all over our community reach out to us that way, it could also go towards new initiatives, like our pet housing.”
Over the years, the local walk has grown from being a feature in Cold Lake’s Canada Day parade, to hosting it along the city’s trail, to what they have planned this time around.
Not only will it feature the iconic red high-heeled walk, it will also include an information booth about the shelter with DMSCC staff to answer questions, explain their services, and engage in conversations.
“We’re also going to have a barbecue this year, which is new to us. People love to talk over food and people make a lot of connections over food. We’re hoping this is also a way to get people to come out and enjoy,” Yang emphasized.
Some of the finer details, such as how they plan on marking this year’s trail, have yet to be ironed out, however, Yang said they do have a few ideas up their sleeves.
“We haven’t exactly decided how we want to mark it yet, but we’re always trying to grow this event and that’s going to take a little bit of time. I think as we know more and we get more walkers and interest, we will be able to expand our scope and our event just a little bit further to build that audience and build our event up,” she stated.
In the end, the walk is all about raising funds and letting the community know the DMSCC is here when they’re needed.
“One of the biggest things I have learned in having these conversations is to know that there’s a place to have these conversations,” said Yang.
Sharing a story of her own, Yang explained how a friend who she has known for years and never would have expected would be a victim of domestic violence came forward.
“We know that domestic violence doesn’t discriminate against socioeconomic class, it really could happen to anyone and everyone. What was hard, was we were friends for so long and I’m so sad that we were never able to have this conversation and that maybe she didn’t feel as though she had a place to have this conversation. I think to let people know that we’re out here and ‘hey, if you want to have that conversation there’s no pressure.’ Just to get that awareness out there to start people talking and saying that it’s okay, it doesn’t mean that you’re more or less, I think this is a really great step if you want to have that conversation.”
She added, “Having an event like this kicks that off for a lot of people and that’s what we want.”
While they encourage everyone to take part in the walk, they’re challenging men to strap on a pair of red high heels.
“I think with the men taking the stance with us, especially men in public positions, I think it demonstrates their solidarity and it shows us that they’re also really invested in the well-being of their community members, that they stand with these women or men,” described Yang, adding so far military police officers, Cold Lake Victim Services, Cold Lake RCMP, and potentially members of Cold Lake city council have signed up.
Although they haven’t had any groups challenge one another yet, Yang noted they’re open to the opportunity.
“We certainly welcome the challenge. If you want to challenge a group, feel free to do so,” she said.
Men interested need to register for the event beforehand by contacting Yang either through the event’s Facebook page, by emailing [email protected], or giving her a call at 780-826-9875.
“We just ask that they send us the registration form so that I can confirm shoe sizing and things like that, and we also give them a pledge form. We encourage everyone to collect some pledges leading up to it and to also start those conversations with their families, colleagues, and community members,” explained Yang.
For those unable to sport heels, Yang said there are some alternative options.
“If you have any issues walking in red heels for any reason, we’re more than happy to make accommodations, whether that’s garnishing your shoes in red, providing you with some things to jazz it up a little bit, or even if you just want to wear some red shoes, that’s okay too.”
The walk may be a step in the right direction for families wanting to show their support, and they too are welcome to walk alongside the brave men.
“We want any member of the community that wants to come out and do something like this, who want to come out and spectate or walk, family, kids, anyone. The whole purpose of Walk a Mile is to target men in public positions to help make that stance, but of course, we welcome anyone who wants to participate,” detailed Yang.
Whether you want to walk as a team or strut your stuff solo, Yang encourages anyone wanting to find out more to simply pick up the phone or send her an email.
“We’re really excited and hopeful to see our community come out and keep growing it from there,” she said.
