“No person should ever live in fear.”
That statement is what is motivating one Northumberland County resident to fundraise and “Walk a Mile” for Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre (Cornerstone) in Cobourg.
Cornerstone is gearing up for its annual instalment of Walk a Mile, which runs on Saturday (October 5). The event aims to support women and children in Northumberland County who have been impacted by gender-based violence and to help spread awareness about the issue.
“Cornerstone has helped so many great people in our area,” said Preston Parkinson, a Brighton resident who’s participating in his sixth Walk a Mile event.
“I got involved to help raise awareness and funds to help support Cornerstone and the great people they help every day,” he told kawarthaNOW. “No person should ever live in fear.”
Cornerstone invites residents to extend their support for the 17th annual Walk a Mile, which takes place in downtown Cobourg during the Cobourg Harvest Festival.
Last year, Cornerstone provided service to almost 2,000 women, children and youth through shelter, counselling, housing, and prevention programming, the organization noted. The family-friendly walk is one of Cornerstone’s signature events that brings the community together to raise awareness and funds for Cornerstone’s programs and services.
“We look forward to this event every year, it is a great way to see the community come together to support families,” said Nancy Johnston, Cornerstone’s executive director, in a media release. “We encourage everyone to come out to enjoy a great morning and show your support, bring your friends, family, and even pets.”
“This event would not be possible without all our incredible sponsors,” Johnston added. “Special thanks to Balder Corporation for their generous support as our Stiletto Sponsor this year, and many thanks to our two Challenge Sponsors, Canadian Tire Cobourg and Post Consumer Brands.”
The team at Balder Corporation noted it is looking forward to the event.
“Supporting the 17th annual Walk a Mile is our way of showing solidarity with those who have faced unimaginable challenges,” Balder Corporation stated. “We at Balder believe in Cornerstone’s work and are committed to helping raise awareness and funds to prevent family violence and provide essential services to those in need.”
Registration and breakfast on the day of the event begins at 9:30 a.m.
In addition to the walk, there will be breakfast provided by the Cobourg Lions Club, coffee and treats provided by Starbucks Cobourg, and a “first responders challenge” to help kick off the event before the Cobourg Legion Pipes & Drums lead the walkers through downtown.
While many participants have traditionally worn high-heeled red shoes to symbolize walking a mile in the shoes of women affected by gender-based violence, the walk can be done in any footwear. There is a registration fee of $20 for adults and $10 for those under 18, with walkers encouraged to collect additional pledges to support Cornerstone.
The event has evolved from a few people walking down King Street to a large diverse crowd, including families and their pets, joining the cause, the release noted.
Over the past 16 years, Walk a Mile has raised a total of $553,232, which has helped local families rebuild their lives after experiencing gender-based violence.
To register for the event or for more information about how to get involved through participation or donations, visit cornerstonenorthumberland.ca/walkamile/.
For more information about other ways to help support Cornerstone, email cfordham@cornerstonenorthumberland.ca .
