As the saying goes, if you want to understand what someone’s going through, walk a mile in their shoes.
With that in mind, Banff YWCA will hold its third annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes fundraiser, Sept. 16, to raise funds for the women’s shelter and facility programs to help stop domestic violence.
Men are being challenged once again to slip into a pair of heels and walk a downtown Banff circuit to support the women out there. Last year, 183 men accepted the challenge and raised $33,000. The inaugural event saw $40,000 raised.
“We’re trying to get at least that many, if not more, walkers,” said Steve Woollard, YWCA director of marketing and communications. “Banff and the Bow Valley have been very supportive of the event and we’d like to see even more funds raised.
“And every step all these guys take is a step in support of someone else.”
As added incentive, said Woollard, the Y is working on setting up challenges, grudge matches if you will, between groups like the Banff and Canmore Legions, Safeway and Nesters grocery stores, tattoo shops, an internal group of Caribou Properties employees, etc.
As well, there will be awards for fanciest footwork and best team strut and draw prizes such as tattooing provided by local corporate sponsors.
The event will wrap up with an after party at the Banff Rose & Crown.
Every $250 raised provides a night of emergency accomodation, including counselling, for a woman and a child. Other Y programs run the gamut from those dealing with violence against women to programs for kids in schools, raising self-esteem, singles and couples counselling and programs to help people enjoy healthy relationships.
“All the funding stays right here in the Bow Valley,” said Woollard.
Walk A Mile In Her Shoes begins at noon at the Banff Park Museum with registration and shoe fitting, while the walk itself will run from 12:30-1 p.m. The party at the Rose beings at 2:30 p.m. The route doesn’t actually cover a mile, but merely travels around the block.
To register, nominate a walker, or for more information, vistit www.banffwalkamile.ca
