This spring, you can walk beside YWCA Peterborough Haliburton as they walk beside vulnerable women and children recovering from gender-based violence.
On Friday, May 23, the non-profit organization will be holding their annual “Walk A Mile in Their Shoes” event to gather the community while raising funds that will support their signature programs and services for the women, children, and gender-diverse people they serve.
Originally called “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes” before adopting a more inclusive name in 2024, the walk will begin at Peterborough’s Confederation Square park at 12 p.m. and continue around the downtown area. Check in for participants begins at 11 a.m. on event day.
“It really brings the community together,” says Tina Thornton, director of philanthropy for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “Everybody comes out to this event because it gives them an opportunity to really show their support for women who are fleeing domestic violence and show their support for the YWCA — all while being out in the community and engaging with others.”
Thornton says last year’s event, the first after a four-year pandemic hiatus, saw more than 100 participants registered for the walk, with many additional individuals and dignitaries coming out to show their support.
Those wanting to take part can sign up as a solo walker or they can sign up as a team of friends, family, or colleagues to first raise money through sponsorships. On event day, participants often don red shoes — high heels if they’re feeling courageous — to walk alongside fellow community members.
“We firmly believe what a great team-building opportunity this event could be for folks,” says Thornton. “There’s a lot of opportunity for corporate engagement and a little bit of corporate rivalry back and forth to try and beat other businesses.”
YWCA Peterborough Haliburton encourages men, boys, and allies to participate, as well as people of all ages including children.
The walking route will be accessible and will accommodate mobility challenges, with those who may be walking slower, pushing strollers, or walking with children setting the pace at the front of the crowd.
“This is not a race — it’s an opportunity for us to get out in the community and just take a nice walk with our community and friends,” says Thornton, adding that you don’t have to participate to show your support for the event.
“We encourage the community to come out and simply join us to stand on the side of the streets and wave and congratulate the people that are walking by, or to pop by the park and hear about what we’re doing.”
The early bird registration fee for Walk A Mile In Their Shoes is $40 until the end of April, after which the cost will increase to $50 ahead of the event. The registration fee includes a custom water bottle, a T-shirt in the participant’s preferred size, and lunch on the day of the walk. Red shoes will also be available for loan.
New this year, high school students and students enrolled at Trent University and Fleming College can register for a discounted price of $25.
Last year’s event raised $20,871, bringing the total funds raised in support of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton through Walk A Mile to almost $1 million since the walk first took place in Peterborough in 2009.
This year, the organization is hoping to raise a minimum of $20,000 for their Journey of Care, which covers the range of signature programs and services that support women and children recovering from gender-based violence.
From the Crossroads Shelter, safe spaces, and transitional housing to the START service hub and support for court processes, housing, income, and more, the Journey of Care encompasses a “wrap-around” flexible support model.
“It’s important for people to understand that we are so much more than a shelter,” says Thornton. “Our goal is to really make sure that when that woman is stepping away from the YWCA and is ready to be independent and on their own, they have all the services and support they need so that they’re starting off fresh.”
“It only begins when they come to Crossroads,” she adds. “There is an incredible amount of support that’s required before she’s ready to actually stand on her own, and we walk beside her through that entire journey.”
To register as a participant and create your personal fundraising page, or to sponsor someone with a donation, visit www.walkamilepeterborough.com.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of Walk A Mile in Their Shoes.
