A new way to raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people has been planned for Grande Prairie. The first annual 5K Walk/Run will take place May 5th in Muskoseepi Park.
Grande Prairie Friendship Centre Executive Director Miranda Laroche says everyone is welcome to participate, but she is hopeful a high number of men will show up to support.
“We really want the men to be there to show the support, to bring awareness, and to show other men that violence against women is wrong.”
Laroche says the planning stages started after she had seen a social media post on May 5th, 2018, from an organization suggesting those without a formal event could take part in a virtual walk with people around the world. She adds the Friendship Centre immediately started planning the Grande Prairie event with her counterpart at Parent Link.
Participants can wear whatever they want on the day of the event, but Laroche hopes one colour, in particular, takes centre stage.
“We just want everybody to wear red. Red signifies hope, and that our sisters are not forgotten.”
Registration starts at 11:50 a.m. on Sunday morning, with the run or walk starting at 12:30 p.m. All donations raised will go towards local MMIWG2S initiatives.