Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is all about getting people thinking and reflecting and stepping outside their comfort zone, says Tessa McLoughlin, safe home co-ordinator at the Howe Sound Women's Centre (HSWC).
When men from Squamish strap on stilettos on Saturday (Sept. 15) to walk a mile in support to halting gender violence, they are walking the talk, she noted.
"Even though it's a fundraiser, it's really about social awareness and engaging people. The sons asking, 'Dad, why are you wearing those shoes?' Or a high school student seeing their teacher walking in high heels - it creates a conversation that gets people asking questions and talking about it."
A social movement that has grown from a small group of men daring to totter around a park in high heels in 2001 to a worldwide initiative, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes now involves tens of thousands of men raising millions of dollars for local rape crisis centres, domestic violence shelters and education and prevention programs.
This year's walk will be the fourth annual event in Squamish, said Shana Murray, HSWC acting executive director.
"Our previous executive director Tara Franz got the idea as a way to fundraise for our drop-in centre and to bring awareness of sexual violence towards women and children to our community," she said.
"It is a great way for men to show their support and take a stand to stop sexual violence for their daughters, sisters, wives, mothers and grandmothers. It is also a great way for the community to get involved and support the women's centre and our programs that are working towards building a stronger, healthier community."
As a fundraiser, all money raised will go toward the women's centre's many programs to help women fleeing violence.
Despite the seriousness of the topic, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is considered a fun, family event. Men are encouraged to gather pledges and form teams and challenge others from their workplaces and to also wear workplace uniforms. Friends and family are also encouraged to march in support of the well-heeled participants.
McLoughlin pointed out that it is an event for all generations, where they are promoting fathers to participate with their sons. She noted that there was a father-son team involved last year.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes will take place on Sept. 15 in Squamish, with prizes and refreshments served after the march.
Shannon Cooley-Herdman from the women's centre says that, "given the "legitimate rape" debate in national politics south of the border, now more than ever, we need our good men to demonstrate support and awareness around the issue of sexual assault."
She added it is always a fun event as well as an important cause and noted that dads who are participating often show their support by holding their daughter's hand during the march.
For more information and to register, contact the women's centre at (604) 892-5748.
