2023 'Walk a Mile in HER Shoes' event in downtown Red Deer on Wednesday. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

By Alessia Proietti

The Outreach Centre

PHOTOS: 85 men sport red heels for ‘Walk a Mile’ fundraiser; ending domestic and sexual violence

Sep 13, 2023 | 2:52 PM

Roughly 85 men in Red Deer dressed in their finest ruby red heels on Wednesday for the ‘Walk A Mile in HER Shoes’ fundraising event in downtown.

The event aims to raise funds and awareness for The Outreach Centre’s services to end gender-based and domestic violence.

READ: Red Deerians called to ‘Walk a Mile in HER Shoes’; fundraising for domestic and sexual violence

Before the commencement of the walk, the Centre shared the story of a woman named Ella, a pseudonym to protect her identity.

They said Ella had immigrated to Canada with her husband and four children from Syria. Her relationship was fraught with domestic violence until once day, she was found by police unconscious in the arms of one of her children.

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The Centre says the husband told police that if Ella would divorce him, he would kill her.

Ella and her kids went to Julietta’s Place, a facility provided by the Centre for women and children fleeing domestic violence while offering in home case management, supports, skills and wrap around resources.

They said with the help of a lawyer, Ella was granted a divorced from her husband, full custody of her children, and the ability to travel internationally without permission from her ex-husband. She returned back to home to her parents in Abu Dhabi, whom she hadn’t seen in 12 years.

The Centre says they also provided Ella and her children with a therapist and other supports throughout the process to ensure their safety and recovery, while keeping in contact with the family upon their arrival.

Myles Peake, Director of Fund Development for the Centre, said this year’s event has already exceeded last year’s participation levels. He expects to see $18,000 raised through pledges, and hopes to raise $45,000 in total with sponsorships and other donations, to maintain the various programs they offer.

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