Over 80 walkers strutted through Red Deer’s downtown in high heels for the 23rd annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event.
The funds raised from yesterday's (Sept.18) walk will be used to support Central Albertans experiencing gender-based or domestic violence.
Ian Wheeliker, Executive Director of The Outreach Centre explained that the event is to raise awareness about sexual and domestic violence, and how it affects Central Albertans.
“We’re trying to raise awareness and send a message to people that are experiencing any type of abuse that we’re here, and there are services that can help,” Wheeliker said. “We care, and we want to do all we can to raise awareness of the issues and help.”
The funds raised are allocated to The Outreach Centre’s domestic violence programs, including counselling, safety planning, risk assessment, youth therapy, and second stage shelter, Julietta’s Place.
“To people who are experiencing any form of violence, the community cares. The Outreach Centre and all the services in the community want to help,” Wheeliker said. “Reach out to us, we can help.”
It was important for Ryan Lund to walk in the event for the first time this year, because he wanted to show his support for women in Central Alberta. “I've never done it, but now I know what it's like, and it’s tough,” Lund said. “I thought after the first lap that I gained my stride, but it was very painful, my feet aren’t built for high heels.”
For more information on The Outreach Centre’s programs, click here.