On May 21 empathy in Drumheller will take the shape of bright red stiletto-heeled shoes.
The Big Country Anti Violence Association (BCAVA) is hosting its third Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. This event raises awareness of violence against women and also helps to raise funds for much needed programs in the area.
The event is simple and entertaining. Men from the community volunteer to put on high heels trek from the Drumheller Co-op to Freson Bros to conquer this feat of the feet. Already they have about 25 participants signed up and are hoping for one of the best turnouts ever.
Marian Ewing of BCAVA says in their first year they raised $17,000. The second time they staged the event they raised $15,000, however also had their best turnout of about 60 walkers.
The funds are only half of the story.
“We would like to get more walkers. Yes, it is nice to raise the money, and we put it to good use, but it is getting the people out there to walk and the awareness is the biggest thing,” said Ewing.
This year they are planning to use the funds raised to donate to Communities Against Abuse. Its mandate is the prevention of emotional, physical and sexual child abuse and promotes safe, healthy, well-functioning children, families and communities through preventive education and treatment. The event will also raise funds for the Wheatland Shelter, which provides emergency shelter for victims of family violence.
“We are also going to take on the Mental Health Drop-in,” said Ewing.
She explains that it is a weekly support program for those with mental health issues. It provides a meal as well as activities and information sharing. It is hosted at the Elim Pentecostal Church.
“It is an excellent program and its growing in leaps and bounds, so we want to support them,” said Ewing.
For more information, to lend support or pick up a pledge Sheet contact BCAVA president Cindy Stelmaschuk at 403-823-3095.
