On November 9, Stepping Stones Crisis Society (SSCS) will revive its impactful event, “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes,” as a single unified walk for the communities of Cold Lake, Bonnyville, and M.D. of Bonnyville.
Aimed at raising awareness around the issues faced by survivors of gender-based violence, this symbolic walk will encourage community participation and foster support for the organization’s mission.
Participants, including men in leadership roles, are invited to walk a symbolic mile in red high heels to express empathy and solidarity with those impacted by gender-based violence. Community leaders, government representatives, athletes, first responders, and even military members are encouraged to join, amplifying the message of unity and support across the region.
Director of Strategic Priorities Cindy Yang shared her excitement for the upcoming event, “On November 9, the event is open to everyone! All are welcome to come and watch the walkers – April Simard has coordinated and planned fun, family-friendly activities – it will be a fun day.”
For SSCS, the “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes” event represents a chance to reconnect with the community after several years without it. “Our goal this year is to rebuild the traction we lost in recent year,” said Yang. “This event supports our mission by quite literally asking our community to walk a mile in the shoes of those fleeing violence, providing a platform to discuss gender-based violence as community leaders walk in red high heels.”
The walk highlights the vital role men in leadership positions play in advocating for this cause. Yang noted, “We’re fortunate to have supportive community leaders who jumped at the chance to join. For those who may feel shy or uncertain, we encourage them to try on heels ahead of time and get comfortable. We’re also thankful for the strong women leaders who encourage their counterparts to participate. It’s a collaborative effort to break down barriers.”
The funds raised will directly support SSCS’s program, including emergency shelter and second-stage housing, which are critical yet underfunded services in the community. “Operational funding has remained stagnant for nearly a decade,” Yang explained. “Events like this allow us to keep our beds and housing units available and develop new programs for clients that otherwise might not be funded.”
In addition to the awareness the walk aims to raise, the funds contribute to long-term efforts by the society to build a safe and supportive environment for survivors. As requests for services continue to rise, SSCS remains committed to expanding its facilities to meet community needs.
Yang hopes that the walk will be a lasting reminder of the pervasive nature of gender-based violence and the power of community support. “The red high heels serve as a visual anchor that reminds everyone gender-based violence is an issue that affects our entire community. We hope this event shows survivors they are not alone and gets people talking about gender-based violence. The more conversation and understanding we foster, the more we can drive change and reduce incidents of violence.”
Looking to the future, SSCS aims to reestablish the walk as a semiannual event across Cold Lake and Bonnyville. For those who wish to support beyond the event, SSCS welcomes monthly donations, volunteers, and community advocates.
For more information on how to participate, or to sign up and start collecting pledges, visit SSCS’s Facebook page or contact April Simard at [email protected].
