Westlock’s Hope Resource Centre is preparing to host its second of two major annual fundraisers.
The “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes” event, a high-heel march along the parade route in Westlock, will run Thursday, Sept. 11, and noon.
“Basically, it’s an international men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence,” centre director Sylvia Yoder said. “It’s a tangible show of solidarity for men.”
The event will be a slight change from the internationally known “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event, which Yoder said reflects the truth about violence in this community.
“Many times, we kind of stereotype the situation where it’s women that are being assaulted and men being the perpetrators,” she said. “That’s not always the case, whatsoever. Men are often experience assault themselves.”
This is the second year for the walk; last year about 32 men walking raised $7,500 — a figure Yoder said she hopes to see double this year.
More important than the money, however, is the awareness and education that can come from men taking a stand against all forms of violence. Yoder said the amount of support the HRC gets in Westlock is impressive.
“I’m very proud of this community for the healthiness in their desire to respond appropriately but also to learn, increasing their education and awareness,” she said.
All funds raised from the event will go to support the centre. Specifically, Yoder said one of the biggest expenses is travel. Shelters in the province have had minimal available space this summer, meaning it’s not always a question of driving those fleeing abusive situations to the nearest shelter but to whichever one has space. She also hinted at new programs and services.
“We’re looking forward to introducing some new service responses to sexual violence and gender violence,” she said. “We’ve got a couple things on the back burner we want to put some money towards in the community.”
For more information contact the centre at 780-349-6111.
The HRC also recently received a $10,000 donation from Westlock County.
On Aug. 20, reeve Bud Massey presented Yoder with a cheque for $10,000 on behalf of county councillors and residents.
“It’s to assist with the provision of a very worthwhile and needed service in the community,” he said.
Yoder said the cash will help the centre with its community support and awareness programs
“It’s a very, very lovely tangible show of support,” she said.
Massey said the donation was budgeted for this year, as it’s a donation the county makes every year.
HRC is not the only organization the county provides funding for — FCSS, the library and the drug coalition are among the many services the county supports, he explained.
“We try to make sure residents get needed services,” Massey said. “It’s a reasonable way to get money because these organizations usually have to fundraise.”
