Men of Grey and Bruce once again were invited to put on a pair of women’s heels for charity – they joined in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® campaign to make a pledge to speak out against rape, sexual assault, and gender-based violence. The annual event provides a unique opportunity to bring attention to a very serious subject, raise funds for Women’s House, and be part of an international movement to end gender-based violence.
One in every four women is abused. That means someone you know or care about, has been or may become a victim of abuse. It may be your mother, your sister, your friend, one of your employees, or your daughter. Seventy-five percent of Canadian men feel it is important to speak out against gender-based violence. Many are doing so through the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®, not just talking the talk, but walking the walk donning red high-heeled shoes, making a point of having fun while sending a serious message.
 |
 |
Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey held two Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® fundraising events this year: one on Saturday, May 28th, partnering with Bruce Steakhouse, Ewyn Studios and Creative Casuals, with almost 20 men walking to take a stand against gender-based violence, and bringing in $5,500 in pledged donations; and a second event on Sunday, May 29th at the Queen’s Bar & Grill, with another great turnout. The events saw almost 30 men in total on a one-mile walk, donning red high-heeled shoes, walking down Kincardine and Port Elgin’s main streets, raising almost $7,000 for Women’s House. And, at the same time, they raised awareness of gender-based violence, and as the old saying goes…..actually “walking a mile in her shoes”. We even had some very young men join in the walk this year, demonstrating the their enthusiasm to join in and show their dedication to ending gender-based violence – it was very heartwarming to see young people setting the stage for our future in such a wonderful way. In true Bruce & Grey county fashion, Kincardine Scottish Pipers led the way, followed by the red-heeled men carrying placards with messages in support of ending gender-based violence. Supporters and the many volunteers helping to put the event on lined the streets and cheered them on. While on their walk, the walkers in Kincardine stopped for a rest and had some refreshments at Ewyn Studios, then returned to Bruce Steakhouse where they were treated to delicious snacks. The Port Elgin walkers on Sunday were also spoiled with a lovely spread of food, donated by the Queen’s.
 |
 |
Thank you to the many people that helped to make these events so successful: all the participants and their supporters and donors, the Queen’s for helping us to host the event Sunday event, the Bruce Steakhouse, Ewyn Studio and Creative Casuals for helping to put together a great Saturday event, the volunteers that helped each day, and the supporters who helped to raise funds and raise awareness. That support helped us to raise almost $7,000 in total for both events… and donations continue to roll in, as people hear about the event and still want to support through the donations link on our website (www.whsbg.on.ca/are-you-man-enough).
Women’s House gives out ribbons to all walkers, based on Individual and Team 1st, 2nd and 3rd highest pledges brought in for the event. The first place Team and Individual also earn some very coveted trophies - a mounted giant red high-heeled shoe that they keep to display until next year’s walk. This year’s awards were handed out to:
Kincardine:
- 1st Place Individual - Chris Turcotte (check out his trophy on display at his store at Creative Casuals)
- 2nd Place Individual – Darryl Perrault
- 3rd Place Individual – Shane Watson
- 1st Place Team - Bruce Power’s Team
Port Elgin:
- 1st Place Individual – Rob Searson (Lucknow Kinsmen)
- 1st Place Team - Bruce Power’s Team – Matt Stepanich
Monies raised from Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® help to ensure that our current levels of vital programs and services continue to be provided in our community free of charge. Last year, throughout the pandemic protocols and at half capacity, we provided support to:
- 537 individual women;
- 109 individual children; and
- 18,165 crisis, support, and advocacy calls were managed on the phone lines
Women’s House appreciates everyone’s help in making this event so successful and, in turn, helping us to continue to provide the vital programs and services that help the women and children of our area who have experienced abuse to work towards better lives.
source: media release
