By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

‘Walk A Mile in Her Shoes’ brings in over $18,700 for local YWCA

Sep 21, 2018 | 4:29 PM

LETHBRIDGE – “It’s motivation is pretty simple: I have a mother, a sister, a wife, a daughter. Violence has been something that has been present in my family’s lives, in my friend’s lives – it’s got to stop. And if people like me don’t reach out and fundraise for it, then who will?”

That was Jared Johnson’s explanation for why he wanted to be a part of the ‘Walk A Mile in Her Shoes’ event for the local YWCA, which aims to raise money and awareness for their programs that support people trying to escape domestic and sexual violence. He’s been a part of the event for about six years now and noted that it was special to carry his daughter Amara in it for the first time this year.

Johnson was among a group that started with 60 people and grew to about 70 as the walk got underway at Galt Gardens Friday, Sept. 21, raising more than $18,700.

After bringing in donations, the men and women who participated got into a pair of high-heeled shoes and did a lap of the downtown Lethbridge park, getting plenty of public attention in the process.

“Bringing awareness to sexual and domestic violence is so important – it’s not something that is out there on the streets, it’s not something that people want to talk about, there’s a stigma attached to it and we need to stop worrying about that stigma,” said Jennifer Lepko, CEO of YWCA Lethbridge and District. “We need to talk about it because we need to say that it’s not OK… we need to talk about this, we need to talk about the resources available, and we need to make some changes.”

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Having said that, Lepko noted that when it comes to a significant fundraiser like this, every dollar is important, especially when it comes to funding things like the Harbour House women’s emergency shelter.

“Last year alone, we had to turn away 2,094 women and children [from Harbour House] who were looking for a safe bed, and we did not have the room,” YWCA Lethbridge and District CEO, Jennifer Lepko

“It’s a 24-bed facility for women and children that are fleeing domestic violence,” she explained. “Part of the programs that are incorporated in Harbour House would also include our outreach, so that is where we have a team that works ongoing with women in our community, men in our community, and the children and youth that are experiencing violence.

“We also have a parent support and child development team that works with all the children that do come to our shelter, because we know the impact of family violence on children is horrendous,” Lepko continued. “And so, we need to work with them so that we can help stop some of the cycle of violence that happens.”

She added that their outreach includes things like helping people with funding, getting to doctor’s appointments, and even navigating the legal system.

As happy as Lepko is to be able to provide that support to those in need, she pointed out that they are far from being able to fully handle the demand that they see in Lethbridge.

“Last year alone, we had to turn away 2,094 women and children [from Harbour House] who were looking for a safe bed, and we did not have the room,” she stated. “We still hook them up with our outreach programs and our other programs that are part of it, but we couldn’t offer them a safe bed.

“When they’re showing up in the middle of the night with just the clothes on their back, in their pajamas, or whatever the case may be, and you have to say, ‘We have no room in the inn,’ it’s very difficult.”

For those still wanting to make a donation, Lepko says the fundraiser will continue accepting money until Monday, Sept. 24, and of course, they’re happy to take donations any time of year. You can get involved by visiting the YWCA’s website.

And, for anyone considering joining the walk next year, first-time participant Rob Gunderson had this to say, “Honestly, the first five minutes were OK, but once you started walking around the block it seemed like it was never ending. But you know what, it’s nice to kind of feel a little bit of that perseverance.”

When asked if he intends to be back next year.

“100-per cent,” replied Gunderson. “Worth the pain.”