Members of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity make their way across the Durham College campus in high heeled shoes during the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser. The fraternity organized and participated in the event in November, raising money for the campus Women's Centre during Violence Against Women Awareness Month.
Putting their best foot forward, more than 30 male students walked a mile around the school's campus in high heels on November 29 to raise money for the Durham College campus Women's Centre and raise awareness about violence against women.
The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event was organized by the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity, Your Student Association and the Women's Centre and raised more than $1,000 to help women who have been or currently find themselves in abusive situations.
A unique spin was put on this fundraising venture, as everyone who participated was required to complete the mile-long walk in a pair of high heeled shoes - thereby walking a mile in women's shoes.
"It's true what they say, that if you walk a mile in someone else's shoes, it brings a new perspective," said chapter President Adam Lipchitz. "It also gives you a little more appreciation for running shoes!"
Hundreds of dollars worth of women's shoes were donated for the walk and will either be given to the Women's Centre to be distributed among those it assists or will be saved for next year, as organizers hope to make the walk an annual event.
TKE developed the idea of the fundraiser after learning of the Women's Centre's ability to help women who are victims of violence. It decided that walking a mile in a pair of high heels was very unique, not to mention a great way to raise awareness within the community.
The Women's Centre, which opened on September 14, gives students a safe haven to receive confidential counselling and help in abusive situations. The new centre also has a campus food service for students in need and will also provide space for club offices.
The timely event was held during Violence Against Women Awareness month, as part of a month-long initiative by student groups to alert students, staff and faculty to the dangers of abuse against women.
Other events included the Break the Silence Day and an annual memorial ceremony in December for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, paying tribute to the 14 female engineering students killed by Marc Lepine during the shootings at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal on December 6, 1989.