Walking in red high heels to raise money and awareness

“You know the old saying, you don’t really know until you walk a mile in somebody else’s shoes? Given that this is a really hard topic to talk about, we think that having these men walking these red high heels is a really fun way to kind of bring such a serious topic to light and kind of create that spark to engage a conversation.”

Raising awareness against domestic and family violence will be highlighted this weekend in Cold Lake.

The Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre is hosting their third Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event which sees men squeeze into red high heels to raise money for women and children in crisis.

The walk is on Saturday from 2:00-5:00pm at 5305 50th Ave. in Cold Lake.

Cindy Yang, resource development coordinator at the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre, said the fundraiser has grown across borders.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is an international movement that started in the United States with a group of men walking around the park as a show of solidarity and to raise awareness, as well as funds for domestic violence and building that traction,” said Yang.

“We have a lot more walkers than we’ve ever had before.”

The men who walk raise money for the crisis centre in the lead-up by asking for pledges, including Mayor Craig Copeland.

“It’s that time of the year,” he said about the event. “It’s quite a long walk…there’s definitely going to be some blisters.”

“If anybody wants to sponsor me it’s mayor@coldlake.com. We need all the help because we have to win the trophy again this year.”

In addition to seeing local law enforcement and emergency response personnel dress in the red heels, there will be a barbeque, raffle and displays downtown during the walk.

To make a donation you can reach out to the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre or go through their website.

“Any donation is greatly welcomed. And we are able to offer those tax receipts.”