NORTH BATTLEFORD — Battlefords-area men will be strutting their stuff in a pair of red high-heel shoes on May 15.
It's all part of the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, organized by the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre (BASAC).
Participants will register outside the Blend Restaurant in North Battleford from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the walk beginning just after 6:15 p.m.
"It's our major fundraiser of the year," said BASAC executive director Amber Stewart. "All of the money goes to the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre. We have to fundraise. Through fundraisers and donations, [they help with] about 40 per cent of our operating costs every year. These fundraisers are essential in keeping the doors open."
Funds raised will support programming and operations for BASAC.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes also aims to increase awareness of gender-based violence in society.
"Having this event in our community, especially the men walking. They are saying that they are men who will stand up for women in the Battlefords, and they are men who will break cycles and believe women. [It's about] really getting the awareness out there about gender-based violence and sexual assault, and removing the stigma," Stewart said. "And making it so victims feel safe talking about it."
She is hoping for a good turnout at the event, now in its eighth year.
"Every year that we hold it, we seem to have more and more people," Stewart said. "We're hoping to have 50 or 70 walkers out there this year. We'll see what happens."
As far as fundraising goes, she said the goal is to beat the previous year.
While people can register on the day of the event, Stewart said it would be better if they did so in advance. People can take part in the walk as individuals or as part of a team. They are encouraged to collect donations and invite people to come out and support them.
"We like to have lots of people in the parking lot cheering the guys on," Stewart said.
