Walk a Mile raises over $10K for Stepping Stones Crisis Society

Image: Brent Burden Photography.

Stepping Stones Crisis Society’s return one of their most prominent fundraisers will help go towards program funding. 

Walk a Mile in Their Shoes made its return for the first time in five years on Saturday, Nov. 9, which saw twenty local men don red high heels and raise money for the centre of family and domestic violence support.

This year’s fundraising total topped $10,000.

“We’re really grateful for our local community leaders from all three municipalities stepped up to help bring this event back to life,” said Cindy Yang, director of Strategic Priorities.

“It’s super important because it’s a light-hearted way to bring awareness and get that conversation going about violence and gender-based violence.”

Councillor and representatives from the City of Cold Lake, M.D. of Bonnyville, and Town of Bonnyville each stepped up, along with local RCMP and first responders. Some men even showed up day of to participate at the Energy Centre.

Town councillor David Sharun raised the most money, a total of $1930 from pledges. As part of the spoils and bragging rights, he gets a trophy to bestow until the next event.

Resident Curtis Hargrove also made a big impression, while wearing the iconic heels during a running of the Chicago Marathon, which also brought awareness to Stepping Stones’ cause.

“For an event like this, the fundraising will go towards operational costs and things like that…we’re able to allocate it to the highest needs and programs,” said Yang.

Stepping Stones remains on track in their construction of their 50,000 sq. foot, multi-story facility, that’s been going since July 2023. This will centralize their operations and expand the number of clients they serve. The goal to cross the finish line remains July 2025.