In all, 61 brave men of Drumheller and area, staggered, teetered and hobbled their way to raising $13,000 to help the struggle against violence.
The second ever Drumheller Walk a Mile in Her Shoes went Wednesday morning. A parade of men, some in sandals, many more in red pumps, a few skirts, stockings and even a feather boa headed out along Highway 10. While it was a fun, and sometimes painful way to make a statement and raise some funds, the seriousness of the cause was not lost on the participants.
Cindy Stelmaschuk, President of the Big Country Anti Violence Association reiterated the words of participant Joe Legacy, “The whole purpose is to be uncomfortable for a mile when so many women are uncomfortable for their whole lives.”
The group mustered at the Drum FM parking lot and paraded to the Drumheller Co-op where they enjoyed a barbecue. Many received generous draw prizes, sponsored by local businesses.
For the second time in as many events, Fraser Beebe was the top fundraiser, bringing in $1,956. While participation was up from 50 to 61 over the last event, the total this year was down from the $19,000 the inaugural walk brought in two years ago.
The funds raised at the event stay in the community. Stelmaschuk explains part of the money raised will go towards a transportation fund to assist women to gain access to emergency shelters, prevention counselling education and training opportunities.
Some of the funds will also support the Association for Communities Against Abuse which serves East Central Alberta. This will be used for eduction and preventive programs as well as treatment programs for victims of emotional, physical and sexual abuse. The Wheatland Shelter, which supports the area with crisis services is also supported by Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.
Participants came from all walks of life. Members of Drumheller Town Council and staff were on route, as well as business professionals, those working in the social services, tradespeople and community leaders.
Don Yavis, principal of Morrin School put on heels and took on the course.
“I have been teaching for 30 years and we are dealing with issues of this kind. Kids don’t pick their parents and don’t pick their situation, they end up where they end up,” said Yavis. “I thought this was important, if we can help out any parents. It takes a brave woman to step up and get out of those situations.”
His participation also sets an example for students.
“Any time you can do something within the school to show it is not just about the kids in the school, it’s about community, it’s global now. We want them to make sure they know they can do something for someone else,” said Yavis.
Stelmaschuk is grateful for the community support. Scores of businesses supported the walk in various ways. Her highest praise was for the walkers themselves.
“There is an old saying, you can’t understand another person’s experience until you walk a mile in their shoes. Thank-you everyone of you gentlemen, because now you understand. You have walked that mile,” said Stelmaschuk.