YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is gearing up for the return of the non-profit organization’s popular community fundraiser on Friday (May 24) after a four-year hiatus, with a slate of local dignitaries set to welcome its return.
“Walk A Mile In Their Shoes” runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday at Confederation Park, across from City Hall in downtown Peterborough. Around 100 participants, volunteers, sponsor representatives, and community supporters will gather at 11 a.m. in advance of opening ceremonies at 11:30 a.m.
Dignitaries delivering remarks at the opening ceremonies include YWCA Peterborough Haliburton executive director Kim Dolan, Peterborough-Kawartha MP Michelle Ferreri, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark, Peterborough deputy mayor and councillor Joy Lachica, deputy police chief Jamie Hartnett, Selwyn Township mayor Sherry Senis, Peterborough County OPP detachment commander Chris Galeazza, and Hiawatha First Nation Chief Laurie Carr.
The walk itself takes place from noon to 1 p.m., leaving Confederation Park to head south on George Street to King Street, east on King to Water Street, north on Water to McDonnel Street, and west on McDonnel back to the park on George Street.
Following the walk, participants can enjoy lunch and music at the park until 1:30 p.m.
A long-time tradition for local YWCA organizations across Canada, the Walk A Mile event was last held in Peterborough in 2019. Previously known as Walk A Mile In Her Shoes, the event has returned with a more inclusive name but with the same purpose: to raise funds for YWCA programs and services helping women and children recover from gender-based violence.
Proceeds from Walk A Mile In Their Shoes will support the YWCA’s “Journey of Care,” which encompasses each of the programs and services the organization offers to the women, children, and gender-diverse people they serve.
“From our Crossroads Shelter to our START Program and everything in between, your support ensures that a woman who is fleeing gender-based violence not only has a safe place to recover, but also the wrap-around healing programming she needs as she stands on her own, walking her path to the life of her choosing, free from fear and violence,” reads a media release from YWCA Peterborough Haliburton.
Since the first Walk A Mile event in Peterborough in 2009, more than $950,000 has been raised for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton.
For more information, to register for the walk, to sponsor a participant or team, or to donate directly to the event, visit walkamilepeterborough.com.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of Walk A Mile In Their Shoes.
