Men to walk a mile in women's shoes

On Saturday, Optimism Place, Perth County’s only shelter for abused women with or without children, is celebrating its 25th anniversary and the public is invited to mark the occasion.

Open House welcome ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. with the introduction of Brian Vallee, author of
The War On Women. Limited tours of the shelter will follow, along with delectable treats and coffee from Tim Hortons.

Starting at 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., there will be a barbecue sponsored by the Optimist Club of Stratford with hotdogs and hamburgers along with juice from McDonalds. Tickets are $3 at the door. Children under 6 and men who have registered for Walk A Mile in Her Shoes® are free.

As part of the event, men of all ages will walk in women’s shoes from Optimism Place, 270 Freeland Dr., to the Sobey’s Plaza to raise awareness and funds for the shelter’s programs. There will be T-shirts and prizes for the walkers.

Event coordinator Fern Sharp believes the event will become one of the organization’s major fundraisers.

“Guys, challenge your friends/co-workers,” states a press release. “Bring your family – have fun.”

Further information and pledge forms can be had by calling 519-271-5310 or visiting www.optimismplace.on.ca.

“There is an old saying’ ‘You can’t really understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.’ This event asks men to literally walk in women’s shoes.

“It’s not easy walking in these shoes, but it’s fun and it gets the community to talk about something that’s really difficult to talk about: gender and sexual violence.

“It demonstrates that men are willing and able to be courageous partners with women in making the world a safer place.”