Twenty Seven Men Don High Heels to Raise $4,350 for Howe Sound Women’s Centre

Twenty-seven men marched through Cleveland Avenue in red high-heeled shoes on Saturday, September 23 as part of Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society’s (HSWC) 9th annual Walk a Mile In Her Shoes® event.
The event engages men and boys as allies in violence prevention, providing an opportunity for them to step into this role in a visible and meaningful way. In addition, their collective efforts raised $4,350 in support of the Squamish Drop-In Centre. Last year, the Squamish Women’s Drop-In Centre drew 2,116 visits from women seeking emotional & practical support, referrals, access to resources, and community connection.
 “It is truly inspiring to have so many men come out to support the Walk a Mile In Her Shoes event year after year,” says Megan Reynolds, executive director of Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society. “It takes courage for so many of these men to wear high-heeled shoes in public, but they do it because they believe women and girls should be able to live free from violence and abuse. Through their actions, they are sending a powerful message to men, women and children everywhere.”
Mayor Patricia Heintzman provided fun coaching tips to the unsteady walkers with the help of HSWC Board Member Tony Horn. Squamish Firefighters, Squamish RCMP Cpl. Morneau, members of Squamish Savings, and Quest students were among those who braved cramped feet and sore calves to participate in the event.
Sponsorship support was provided by Squamish Savings a division of Vancity, Coast Mountain Photography, Mountain FM, The Squamish Chief, Galileo Coffee Company, and Backcountry Brewing.
Next year marks the 10th annual Walk a Mile In Her Shoes event in Squamish, and HSWC will be inviting more men to walk to show their support for safe and healthy communities, where women and girls are valued, supported, and live free from violence and abuse.