It’s time for men in Muskoka to walk the walk. That’s according to the Muskoka YWCA which organizes the annual ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ every spring. According to organizers, this event will challenge men of all ages to slip on a pair of red high-heels, provided by the YWCA, and literally walk a mile to raise awareness against domestic abuse in Muskoka.
YWCA Muskoka Executive Director Hannah Lin says this event will help men understand the root causes of domestic abuse and how the community can help prevent it together. She says the idea behind high-heel shoes came from a group of men in the United States which created a ricochet of similar events across the nation.
Lin also said money raised will go towards the YWCA Muskoka’s violence prevention work in the area. The money will also go to the December 6th Fund, which provides interest-free loans for women fleeing domestic violence.
According to White Ribbon Canada, women in rural communities, like Muskoka, are more impacted by domestic violence. Muskoka Victim Services also says there is an increase of teens being abused in their dating relationships.
Lin says when people see a bunch of men in red high heels walking together, it creates a lasting impression on spectators.
The YWCA is encouraging people of all ages to sign-up. There is no registration fee, however, organizers say participants should have a goal to raise $250 to $1000 to help support the cause.
In 2017, 65 men showed up to ‘walk a mile’ including members of the local fire department, EMS, as well as the Bracebridge mayor and deputy mayor. Program officials are saying they hope to have over 100 walkers from all community groups for this year’s event.
‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ is set for May 27th at the Rotary Centre for Youth in Bracebridge. The event will kick-off at 11:00 a.m. To walk a mile in her shoes, or to find out other ways you can get involved, click here.