Nearly 60 men participated in Saturday’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser, raising more than $15,000 for Optimism Place Women’s Shelter in Stratford. (Galen Simmons/The Beacon Herald)
Nearly 60 men from across Stratford and the surrounding area literally and metaphorically put themselves in women’s shoes Saturday afternoon to raise awareness of violence against women and more than $15,000 for Optimism Place Women’s Shelter.Led by the Stratford Police Pipes and Drum Band, the men – some stepping carefully while others were a bit more confident – made their way to one end of the Festival Marketplace Shopping Centre and then the other as dozens of onlookers cheered them on.Participating in the walk, representatives of local emergency services, Perth-Wellington MP John Nater’s office, and city council spoke, just before they set off across the mall, about the important work Optimism Place does in the community.“As a police officer I have had first-hand experience dealing with many incidents of domestic violence,” Const. Darren Fischer of the Stratford Police Service said. “Thankfully, with places like Optimism Place, we have supports put in place for people who are involved, or who are victims or survivors of domestic violence and we have the ability to help those people through those problems – not only with the survivors, but with those families as well in helping to prevent any further problems from happening.”Stratford deputy mayor Martin Ritsma also spoke of the importance events like Walk a Mile in Her Shoes has, not only in supporting those who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence, but also in eliminating that sort of violence for future generations.“You serve two very important roles,” Ritsma said, addressing the event’s participants. “First and foremost, you draw attention to an issue that is huge in all of our communities… Also, the funds that are raised go towards Optimism Place, the programs that are provided to children and women that are exposed to domestic abuse.“… We recognize the women in the past who have suffered abuse, we certainly recognize the women and families that currently suffer, but with education and awareness as (we have) today, we perhaps lessen the chance of girls like (my granddaughter) of being exposed to domestic abuse.”Saturday’s event also marked Optimism Place awareness and resource coordinator Fern Sharp’s last event with the women’s shelter before she retires.“I want to especially acknowledge Fern Sharp,” Optimism Place executive director Jasmine Clark said to a round of applause. “Many of you know Fern’s been (with us) for a long time. All 11 years of Walk a Mile and this is her last one. So, thank you, Fern.”gsimmons@postmedia.com