Fundraiser step toward ending domestic violence

Donning their best pair of high heels, a group of men strutted their way across downtown Brandon to raise funds for the local YWCA and stand against domestic violence.

Princess Park was filled with an electric excitement Wednesday afternoon as people gathered to support YWCA Brandon’s ninth annual Walk A Mile in Her Shoes.

YWCA executive director Heather Symbalisty said she was thrilled at the participants’ joy in being in the walk and their enjoyment of the beautiful weather.

The YWCA supplied high heels in sizes eight to 15 in vibrant colours that spanned the rainbow, the men walking in the event were all smiles as they tried on their new footwear, although some were as wobbly on their feet as a newborn baby giraffe.

Mayor Rick Chrest and Brandon police Chief Wayne Balcaen led the procession of men walking from Princess Park through a few blocks of downtown and back to the park.

Ladies wearing brilliantly decorated bows waving pom poms cheered on the men wearing high heels during the walk. However, the trek proved difficult for some of the participants, as they were forced to remove their high heels halfway through the walk because the pain proved to be unbearable.

The walk ended with a barbecue and dessert auction to raise money for the YWCA.

The YWCA had a goal to raise $30,000 through donations and other fundraisers at this year’s walk.

Walk A Mile in Her Shoes serves as a doorway to experience some of the trials and tribulations women experience daily, Symbalisty added, explaining that the event can showcase that women have a different life experience in many ways in comparison to men.

“They don’t realize what we go through. Walking in heels is a fairly simple thing compared to some of the situations that have happened,” Symbalisty said, sharing a story of a survivor who had to sell her bed to get to shelter and safety.

“We have to recognize that some of those ladies come to us with nothing,” Symbalisty said. “They’ve had to sell items and all of their belongings just so they can find somewhere safe to come.”

She is always grateful for the support the walk receives from the community, which in turn allows the YWCA to continue offering important programs including their Westman Women's Shelter and Meredith Place Transitional Shelter.

These community programs are essential because, in Canada, a woman is killed by her intimate partner every six days.

Inspired to help ensure all community members have a place free from domestic violence, Gregory Bezaire participated in the walk with help from his daughter Mackenzie, 3.

“Domestic violence and violence against women, it’s deplorable. For us to be able to stand up against domestic violence and create an environment where my daughter can feel safe and supported and know that those resources are available is really important to me and my family,” Bezaire said.

“It’s painful (wearing the high heels). ... But it’s worth trudging through the pain because it’s for such a good cause.”

Bezaire said he wants to encourage people to come out and support the YWCA and their programs because they do “so much good” in the community.

In 2018 alone, the YWCA Brandon was able to provide residential and support services to more than 800 people in the community.

“It’s so important in the community,” Bezaire said.

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