Men participate in the ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ event in downtown Fredericton.

“Red High Heels and Empathy: Walk A Mile in Her Shoes Fundraiser Takes Downtown Fredericton by Storm”

On September 10, the sidewalks of downtown Fredericton were crowded with the odd sight of men wearing red high heels, their faces alternately smiling and exhausted. This spectacle was part of the annual “Walk A Mile in Her Shoes” campaign, in which hundreds of men walk a mile to raise awareness and support for women who have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence. All monies raised benefit the Women in Transition House, a local shelter that provides a safe place for women fleeing domestic abuse.

Lincoln Thompson, an event organizer and University of New Brunswick alum, recognized the amusing side of witnessing guys walk in high heels, but highlighted its importance in emphasizing the suffering that many families face. Thompson, a broker manager at Royal LePage, the real estate business that organizes the countrywide fundraiser, introduced the “Walk A Mile in Her Shoes” event to Fredericton in 2014. While yard sales previously produced a few thousand dollars, the yearly walk has raised a total of $230,784, with this year’s event earning $46,583.

“The spectacle of men walking in high-heeled shoes, just the visual of it, brings some curiosity,” Thompson went on to say.

The distinctive red high heels are a symbol of the occasion. Each guy is issued a pair for the trek, unless he brings his own. After a lengthy warm-up to the tune of Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” the walkers leave City Hall, go along York Street, and return to the starting location.

The walk might last anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the walker’s comfort level on high heels. This is why Thompson started wearing heels around the office in early August. According to Thompson, several individuals indicate hesitation before standing up in heels.

Alex Scholten, an event participant and council member for the Village of New Maryland, indicated that many walkers have created techniques to deal with the pain of high heels. Duct tape, in particular, is a useful tool during fundraisers. Scholten, who has attended the event since 2015, said he chose red slingbacks over regular heels and considers them one of his greatest purchases.

Scholten was one of 71 walkers at this year’s event, and he persuaded six of his butchers and meat wrappers from Victory Meat and Produce Market to join him. He felt considerable joy in raising awareness about domestic abuse and enlisting new volunteers.

Local police officers and firefighters wore full uniforms and high heels to stand in solidarity with the other walkers. Thompson and Scholten emphasized the importance of having backup from the police and fire agencies.

“The fire and police chiefs tell us that they don’t spend a day without receiving a call about a domestic crisis here. “That’s just so sad,” Thompson remarked.

From 2009 to 2021, Statistics Canada data showed a 22% increase in police-reported family violence and a 39% increase in police-reported intimate partner violence in New Brunswick.

Scholten believes that the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event means much more than simply witnessing guys in high heels.

“I think it not only shows the community that the issue of rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence is not tolerated, but it’s a community-wide concern and not solely a concern for women,” she said. “It’s 15 minutes of very, very minor pain to help out those who are in tremendously more pain and hardship.”