The annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign saw three events in Port Elgin and Kincardine raise almost $16,000 for Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey over the weekend.
Saturday’s event was held in partnership with The Queens in Port Elgin, with 10 male allies from the area bringing in $2,500 in pledged donations. Afterwards, The Queens hosted TroyBoy Entertainment in their Top Tier Drag Show – Walk the Stage, with about $4,000 in proceeds going to the local Women’s House. Over 100 people attended the performance.
Participants in 2023’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes in support of Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey. Photo courtesy of Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey.
Kincardine’s event happened on Sunday with about 30 men raising $8,000 in pledges and counting. At a gate collection before the walk, Bruce Power collected more than $3,ooo in additional donations. BarDown Kincardine, Ewyn Studios, and Creative Casuals helped make the event possible.
During Walk a Mile in Her Shoes events, male-identifying participants step into red high-heels and walk one mile in their communities to raise awareness and speak out against gender-based violence, sexual assault, and oppression.
“One in every three women, one in eight men, and more than 50 per cent of gender diverse folks are abused. That means someone you know or care about, has been or may become a victim of abuse,” Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey shared.
The organization was pleased to see that this years’ events had a number of young men come out, “demonstrating their enthusiasm to join in and show their dedication to ending gender-based violence as well as their understanding of consent and importance of healthy relationships.”
Individuals and teams with the highest pledges get to take home some unique hardware – a mounted giant red high-heeled shoe – and keep it until next year’s walk.
Port Elgin’s individual winner was Rob Searson from Lucknow & District Kinsmen.
For Kincardine, Chris Turcotte was the individual champion, whose trophy will reportedly be on display at this store at Creative Casuals.
Bruce Power was the first place team at Sunday’s event.
“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,” Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey signed off on their statement.
Participants in 2023’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes in support of Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey. Photo courtesy of Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey.
