For the first time, 20 local men strutted their stuff in bright red high heels, during the area's inaugural Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event on Sunday, Feb. 26.
The event raised awareness for violence against women, with this one in particular, fundraising for the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre (DMSCC) Bonnyville Community Support office.
For its first year, Walk a Mile raised over $5,000 – a community response DMSCC resource development officer Serina Parsons was pleased with.
“I was completely overwhelmed with today's event. I think we did better than we had originally anticipated,” she exclaimed. “We had 20 registrants, it was just unbelievable. They really did their best. They went out, and got donations during the game, and got donations prior to coming. Their support was just amazing.”
The event was hosted in conjunction with a Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs game against Fort McMurray. Men in high heels made their way through the crowds collecting donations during the game, giving a few people a good laugh as they watched firefighters, peace officers and even Mayor Gene Sobolewski teetering through the aisles.
“Obviously what we stand for is very serious in nature,” said Parsons. “But, it's really wonderful to see everyone come out and show their support and have a good time at an event like this… Just seeing everyone rally with us, recognize that what we do is important, work together to create awareness and raise funds for a valuable program, it's just amazing.”
Taking home the Walk a Mile trophy for raising over $1,100 was Gary Mostert, member of Protection for the Unprotected and president of Rednecks with a Cause.
Mostert said it's because of his association with these groups that the issue is so near and dear to his heart.
“(Protection for the Unprotected) stands for anti-abuse with children, women or anyone for that matter, so when the boys said they were going to do it, I said ‘I'm in.'”
Although walking around in high heels was no walk in the park, Mostert added it wasn't about the heels; it was about what they represented.
“The cause is very close to my personal heart, to my group's heart, to the firemen and to all of the men who took part,” he said. “It's just amazing to see all these men come out and do it.”
The Pontiacs also showed their support by wearing red laces during the game, something head coach Rick Swan said is a good example to show young fans.
Parsons said they are planning on hosting the event again next year, with Mostert ready to once again slip into some heels for a good cause.
