return Walk a mile in their shoes The Peterborough, Ont., fundraiser surpassed its fundraising goal at the end of May, organizers announced Tuesday.
Since 2019, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Activities to support survivors Gender-based violence It was held again on May 24 with more than 100 participants, volunteers and others in attendance.
The event had a fundraising goal of $20,000. Organizers said the event raised $20,871 in cash from donors and sponsors, as well as $48,094 in-kind from sponsors, including Kawartha Now and Corus Entertainment's Global Peterborough, 101.5 The Wolf FM and 100.5 Fresh Radio as media sponsors.
Proceeds from Walk a Mile in Their Shoes will support the YWCA’s Journey of Caring, which includes the organization’s signature programs and services for women, children and gender diverse people. These programs include the Crossroads Shelter for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
The event was founded in 2009 and was originally called “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” and has raised nearly $1 million since then.
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“It’s been amazing to see so many people step up and speak with us about how gender-based violence impacts our community and the lives of survivors and their loved ones,” said Kim Dolan, executive director of YWCA PH.
“I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who gave their time, donations and voices to make this year’s Walk A Mile such a success. I have no doubt that with the support and involvement of people like you, we can achieve our vision of a life free of violence and fear.”
The best team trophy for fundraising went to the Scottish team representing the Scotiabank Kawartha Centre on Hunter Street in Peterborough. The team raised $2,588 and Scotiabank announced it would match the funds, bringing the team’s total to $5,176. Branch Manager John Dalto will be awarded the best individual trophy for raising a total of $442.
“We are so excited to make an impact in the community,” said D'Altoe. “It is so important for Scotiabank to ensure we are an effective ally, not only in our workplaces, but also in the communities we live and support. The ‘Walk a Mile in Their Shoes’ campaign allows us to raise awareness of gender-based violence against women, children and gender-diverse people in our community and help end it.”
During the event, several individuals shared their stories of being impacted by domestic violence and abuse. Several mentioned that the City of Peterborough and the County of Peterborough declared gender-based violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic last fall. They also highlighted the need to continue working towards the 86 Recommendations made by the jury following the coroner's inquest Investigate the 2015 murders of Nathalie Warmerdam, Carol Culleton and Anastasia Kuzyk in Renfrew County to help prevent similar tragedies. One of the recommendations was that Ontario officially declare IPV an epidemic.
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