It’s not everyday you’ll see the men of Dalhousie University strutting their stuff in pink stilettos. But that will be the setting Tuesday, June 14 at lunchtime in Scotia Square where men will “Walk a Mile in her Shoes” in support of the YWCA Halifax.
The idea behind the Walk a Mile in her Shoes event is to put men in the shoes of women who are at critical turning points in their lives and step up for families who fall victim to abuse and addiction. The money raised from the event supports various YWCA Halifax programs that help young women and families achieve healthy and sustainable lifestyles. These programs include housing solutions for single mothers attending post-secondary school, safe housing for women recovering from addiction and abuse, and micro loans for women leaving domestic violence.
Charles Crosby, senior media advisor at Dal, started walking solo in 2008 and two years later is accompanied by a dedicated team of walkers who are stepping up for women.
"This is an easy thing for all involved. It's easy for us to walk — maybe not for our ankles but it is for us — and it's easy for others to make a small donation. It's not easy for the women we walk for and it makes it a lot easier to strap on the heels when we remember that,” says Mr. Crosby whose wife Tanis Crosby is executive director of the YWCA Halifax.
Since the event started in 2008, the YWCA Halifax has raised $63,000. That money can support 24 YWCA Halifax clients housing expenses for four months. An event that started at the YWCA Calgary has spread nation-wide and is now held in over a dozen locations across Canada. Just recently, Grant Thornton came on board as a major sponsor of the event.
“The YWCA is a turning point for women that can change lives by breaking the cycle of homelessness. People respond to this and want to be part of a long-term solution,” says Ms. Crosby. “It’s heartening to see men doing so much and caring so much about women’s causes.”
Joining the "Dal Dudes" are participants from Cox & Palmer, Halifax Regional Police, East Coast Dynamics and Halifax Firefighters.
JUNE 14 UPDATE: The Dal Dudes raised more than $1,500 for the YWCA. Donations are still being accepted. To sponsor the "Dal dudes," click here.