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Taking steps to address domestic violence

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Local men will be donning red heels and strutting their stuff during the fourth annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes at a Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs game on Feb. 1. File photo.

BONNYVILLE- It's time for men to step up to the challenge and walk like a lady.

For the fourth year in a row, the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre (DMSCC) is asking local men to stand tall against intimate partner violence by wearing red high heels during the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event.

“It’s an international men’s march that started in the United States, and the whole purpose is to bring awareness to the issues of family and domestic violence,” explained Cindy Yang, resource development coordinator for the DMSCC.

The call is out for guys to don the iconic red heels and strut their stuff on Saturday, Feb. 1 during the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs game against the Drumheller Dragons at the R.J. Lalonde Arena starting at 7 p.m.

“We’re really fortunate to have that partnership to have that forum. Their fan base really allows us to access a group of community members that we might not have the opportunity to get to regularly,” Yang detailed.

 The fundraiser encourages participants and attendees to have conversations about a difficult subject, while raising money for the DMSCC’s Bonnyville outreach office.

“It provides an opportunity to bring community leaders and community-minded individuals together to inform and inspire action to help end domestic violence,” stated Yang. “It helps better the lives of people that are in need, and I think with those red heels, it helps break down those barriers a little bit. Especially if you see a police officer wearing those red heels, it looks kind of silly, and then you might be a little more comfortable to have a bit of a conversation.”

Hosting events like Walk a Mile is one of the ways DMSCC emphasizes that anyone can be impacted by family violence.

“Something that we try very hard to communicate is domestic violence doesn’t discriminate. It really can happen to anybody across any socioeconomic class and across any background,” Yang exclaimed.

While participants collect pledges during the game, there will also be staff from the DMSCC on-hand to answer questions and talk about their services. 

Yang said, “We’re a resource for everybody, and it’s okay to reach out, ask questions, and to have these conversations. I’d like people to remember that we’re here for them 24/7 if they want to, and our helpline is available for men and women.”

Last year, 11 participants raised over $5,000 for the cause. Yang said they’re hoping to meet or exceed that amount this year.

“We really just appreciate the support the community has shown us by wanting to come out, supporting our fundraising events, and participating."

With the fundraiser quickly approaching, Yang encourages people to sign up soon to give themselves time to collect donations leading up to the main event.

Once the pledges are gathered and counted, the individual who raised the most will take home the Walk a Mile trophy.

Last year, members of Town of Bonnyville council, local RCMP, and Odie the Bonnyville Victim Services dog competed for the honour, with Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority fire chief Jay Melvin etching his name into the Walk a Mile history books.

Yang believes having men seen throughout the community wearing the red heels breaks down barriers.

“It helps demonstrate their strong solidarity, that they stand with us, that they understand and support those affected by domestic violence, and those in authority will do what's in their power to also help stop the cycle of violence,” Yang exclaimed.

Those interested in signing up can contact Yang by emailing [email protected] or giving her a call at 780-826-9875. Accommodations can be made for those wanting to take part that may not be able to sport the red heels. Everyone, including the fans in the stands, are encouraged to wear red during the event.


Robynne Henry, Bonnyville Nouvelle

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