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Day aims to end to rape, sexual assault and gender violence

Men are invited to walk the walk in red four-inch high heels to help put an end to rape, sexual assault and gender violence next month.

Men are invited to walk the walk in red four-inch high heels to help put an end to rape, sexual assault and gender violence next month.

Red Deer’s Women’s Outreach Society is bringing the international Walk a Mile in Her Shoes to Red Deer to raise money for its programs and services on April 19.

The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes movement was started in 2001 by a small group of men in women’s shoes and grew into an annual worldwide event with men raising money for rape crisis centres, domestic violence shelters, sexual violence education, prevention programs and other programs.

This will be the first time the event is held in Red Deer.

Organizer Darcy Ouellet, Women’s Outreach Society fund development officer, said the society hopes to raise $50,000 for the organization’s 16 programs and services.

In 2011, the Women’s Outreach Society responded to more than 36,251 calls and the outreach workers have assisted more than 4,069 individuals with issues surrounding domestic violence, housing, emotional support and other concerns.

“These (high-heeled) shoes are made specific for men,” said Ouellet. “They are about $48 a pair of shoes. To register, there is a $50 registration fee. If you get more than $200 in pledges, we’ll give back the registration fee.”

Ouellet said it’s a men’s walk but women can walk alongside the participants.

Marchers will set out from the Women’s Outreach parking lot on 54th Street and head east on the walking path on Taylor Drive, walk half a mile, turn around and return to the starting point.

To register, contact Darcy Ouellet at 403-347-2480 or darcy@womensoutreach.ca. or on the morning of the event from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The march begins at noon.

crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com