Fifty men Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

The annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, hosted by Wellspring Family Resource & Crisis Centre, took place last Tuesday. Once again, it was a huge success as each year, more and more men sign up to slip into a pair of high heeled red shoes to show their support. The event is an international men’s event that raises awareness and attempts to stop rape, sexual assault, and gender violence.

The event started in the parking lot of Midtown Mall. The spectators including those who came out to support the walkers had a good chuckle watching the men struggle down the sidewalks. A barbecue luncheon was donated by Secure Energy. While it made for a comical lunch hour, the event is to raise awareness to a serious cause that is not improving statistically.

Executive Director Rebecca Wells ran through some statistics for the audience, and the numbers are quite alarming for Whitecourt. “In our shelter, we have a 24-hour crisis line as well as clients who walk through our doors. From 2017 to 2018 we had 301 women, and 57 men needing help. From 2018 to 2019 there were 374 women and 74 men. Statistical numbers are tracked only for those who call in requiring help, not those who are only seeking information. In 2017 there were 2,170 contacts and in 2018/19 there were 2,924 contacts which is an increase of 754 contacts including on the crisis line or attending the centre,” she said.

The numbers prove there is a real need to not only create more awareness but to find ways to mitigate the problem. Wellspring Family Resource & Crisis Centre does what it can to educate and help in prevention and building relationships. With confirmation and plans taking shape for the new complex. Wells and the community are thrilled the crisis centre will be able to offer more rooms, a day home, and transitional housing to help more of those who need it.