By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: July 8, 2014
As many as 39 Squamish men strutted down Cleveland Ave in downtown Squamish on July 5 as part of the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.
They were all part of the 6th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event held by the Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society. Men from the community were encouraged to stand up for the prevention of violence against women, collect pledges, and literally step outside their comfort zone to walk a symbolic mile in high heel shoes.
Their efforts raised $6,000 for the Society, which will fund the continued operation of the Squamish Women’s Drop-In Centre.
“It demonstrates that men from our community believe that all people should have the basic human right to live free from violence, oppression, and abuse,” says Sheila Allen, executive director of the Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society.
Allen said reporters of violent crimes against women and girls are on the rise, both locally and internationally. 
To end gender violence once and for all, we feel it is essential to engage men to be part of the solution, she said.
This event was part of the international movement of men’s marches aimed at raising awareness of the issue of gender violence. Walkers were provided with shoes made specifically for men, and this year, Olympic Half Pipe Skier Rosalind Groenewoud provided coaching tips on how best to walk in women’s shoes.
Prizes were awarded for the top fundraising team, which went to Squamish Fire Rescue, top individual fundraiser, which was awarded to Robert Stubbs, and most animated walker was awarded to Joe Stubbs.
Radio personalities Carl Brown and Darren McPeake also participated in the walk. Sponsorship support was provided by Squamish Savings, Galileo Coffee Company, Howe Sound Inn & Brewing, Mountain FM, The Squamish Chief, Coast Mountain Photography, Century Signs, and Save On Foods.
