There is an old adage that you can’t understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes — and that’s what the goal was Saturday morning at a fundraising event in support of the Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie.
The 15th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, which took place at the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre, saw about 100 participants come together to march one mile in solidarity with survivors of intimate partner violence and take a stand against domestic violence.
Danielle Parks-Hamer, community development manager with the local shelter, told BarrieToday the event had already raised more than $50,000, with more expected to roll in.
“The purpose behind (the event) is to raise awareness and advocacy for violence against women. We have red high-heeled shoes that participants wear and they walk a mile in (those heels). We have men’s sizes up to 17, so everyone can wear them,” she said. “It just kind of breaks down the stigma, and seeing men in heels makes you start talking about it and you’re wondering what they are doing. It’s so important for this walk for men to stand up to other men and teach other men about how to be a good man.”
Michael Suchocki has been slipping on the red heels for about eight years. He said it’s important to help bring awareness to the issue of intimate partner violence.
“It’s a fact that we still suffer from gendercide and gender-based violence. I feel, not just as a man, but as a human being, that we need to do more to address the situation and bring it to light,” he said.
Joe Wickens had planned to walk in the event, pushing his 83-year-old mother — a domestic abuse survivor — in her wheelchair, but the chilly morning temperatures kept her at home. The Barrie resident felt it was still important for him to come out and show her support, he said, while trying on shoes prior to the event’s kickoff.
“She was in a relationship with my biological father and she left when I was four because of physical abuse. He was a violent alcoholic … and she raised us as a single mom, but she had support from her sisters and she was able to get by. She did very well for herself (considering) all that she went through,” he said.
Wickens has taken part in the local event for four years. Last year, he finally figured out the best way to walk in the borrowed high heels.
“You’re supposed to bend the knees and … lower your centre of gravity,” he quipped.
Marcie McFadden is a longtime volunteer with the event. She is also a domestic abuse survivor.
“We are giving back and supporting the ladies and the women’s shelter. You have so many people out there that need help, and the shelter needs this support,” she said. “I volunteer because years ago they saved my life and I want to give back. If I can give back and help even one person … it’s important.”
The Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie operates a 27-bed facility, providing around-the-clock support to those in need. Funds raised from Saturday’s event will contribute to shelter operations, counselling services, housing transition assistance, crisis intervention and educational outreach.
