Over 100 people went red for a good cause on Thursday, as PACE Grande Prairie held its 4th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser.
The annual awareness campaign asks participants to walk a mile in high-heeled shoes in the hopes to start a frank discussion around issues of sexual violence.
“We’ve supported this event for years, our charitable foundation donates every year and we have members come to attend, it’s very important,” says Grande Prairie Fire Department Lieutenant Chris Storeshaw.
Sargeant Shawn Graham with the Grande Prairie RCMP says his officers often respond to sexual violence calls and it is a problem they urge people to pay closer attention to.
“It is something we deal with, and as a community event, it is about everyone coming together to support this. To bring acknowledgement to it, and awareness that it is happening. We need to do something about it and be cognizant that it’s happening and we are part of the solution.”
Buffy McIntosh with PACE Grande Prairie says she is thrilled with the turn out year over and hopes the awareness campaign continues long after the last heel hits the concrete.
“There are people who come every year, and they all do it with a smile on their face even though it’s painful.”
The fundraising campaign attached to the event raised just over $18,000.