Members of the London Fire Department round the corner on Dufferin at Wellington during the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser Sunday. SUE REEVE The London Free Press
Seeing a man walk around downtown London in bright red stilettos may cause you to take a second look.
So, when nearly 200 men donned the accessory and tried to balance their way around Victoria Park Sunday, it easily drew a crowd.
It was all for a good cause, though.
“Next year, I’m going to ask for a bigger size,” said London’s police chief, Brad Duncan. “My feet are killing me, but I’m happy to lend my support today.”
Duncan was among about 175 London men, including dozens of police officers and firefighters, who turned out for the third annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event.
This year’s goal was to raise $60,000 in support of Women’s Community House – a non-profit organization that helps abused women and children find counseling and a safe place to stay.
Executive Director Kate Wiggins called the event a success, not only in terms of the funding it raised but also because of the message it represents.
“There are so many cases in London where women feel ashamed to come forward as victims of abuse,” said Wiggins. “This event shows those women that there are hundreds of men in the city who are ready to support them.”
It’s that network of support that allows victims of abuse to come forward and get help, added Wiggins.
Lead by the Mocha Shiners marching band, the men paraded around the park. At one point, the event stopped traffic on a very busy Richmond Street – receiving only positive encouragement from curious motorists and passers-by.
And at the end of it all, most of the men were glad to return to the comfort of their regular footwear.
“These heels aren’t as comfortable as the fire boots our men usually wear,” said Dep. Fire Chief Brian George. “You wouldn’t want to fight a fire in these things.”
via London Free Press.
