A wide range of people from every walk of life came together on Sunday in support of a Calgary organization that works to enhance the safety and well-being of women.
The YW Walk A Mile in Her Shoes event, put on by YWCA Calgary, works to raise money to support victims of domestic abuse and raise awareness about the issues that lead to violence.
Participants in the walk donned a pair of high-heeled shoes and walked together in order to raise funds that provide services and support to women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
"We have a great representation from EMS and Calgary Police, and the fire chief. It’s just wonderful to have them because they know what we’re experiencing," said Sue Tomney, chief executive officer of YW Calgary.
"As a community, we’re in this together, and frontline workers are the ones who are out there day after day."
Southcentre Mall was also happy to support the event.
"We are very excited to be part of YW Walk A Mile In Her Shoes this year as we do our part to build a safer and healthier community," said Rashmi Aimiuwu, marketing director.
Organizers of the event say Alberta has the third-highest rate of domestic violence in Canada, and the number of domestic homicides in Calgary during the first half of this year is nearly equal to those in 2017 and 2018 combined.
The funds raised go towards the YW crisis shelter, which provides basic need items such as food and clothing as well as counselling and supports to help women and their families to have a safe refuge.
Last year, more than 2,800 individuals accessed the programs that YW Calgary offers and more than 630 women and children spent a night at the agency's domestic violence shelter.
You can learn more by going online.
