There’s an event in Hamilton that involves a lot of men (and women) parading around in red pumps, Hamilton Police horses arriving with bedazzled red hoofs, dance music to pump you up, and a walk around downtown led by samba drums. It’s the annual Walk a Mile in her Shoes Hamilton YWCA fundraiser happening on June 18, and it gets bigger and better every year.

This year, there’s a Hamilton Fempreneur team, which Erika McKay and I pledged to organize after having so much fun at the event last year. Local women business owners (and aspiring biz owners!) are encouraged to join our team here: Join a Team

The event is famous for rounding up some of Hamilton’s most prominent male business leaders and getting them in those red pumps, to walk a mile in solidarity with all those in our community who are working so hard to end violence against women. Half of all women in Canada have experienced at least one form of violence, and girls and young women are eight times more likely to be victims of sexual assault and women and girls are five times more likely to experience sexual violence than males.

These statistics are alarming. That’s why I walk, and so many others, because feeling helpless is not an option. Action is needed, and Walk a Mile has raised nearly half a million dollars to power life-changing and life-saving programming for women and families impacted by violence.

The event runs from 11am til 1pm, and includes your use of a pair of red shoes (flats are available!) plus a delicious lunch prepared by At the Table Cafe, the YWCA’s social enterprise cafe.

Hope to see you at Walk a Mile. Register here: REGISTER

(click “Join a team” and search Hamilton Fempreneurs if you want to join our team!)

#WAMHamilton

-Suzanne, The Generator