Wearing their shoes: Soldiers help to raise over $200,000 to combat domestic violence

For the fourth year in a row, 3rd Canadian Division and CFB Edmonton leadership participated in the annual YWCA Edmonton Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign on Sept. 20.

“The goal of the campaign is two-fold. One is to raise awareness for domestic violence and the difficult position it puts women and young families in and to also raise money for YWCA shelters that support women who have left homes where domestic violence is prevalent,” said Col. Scott McKenzie, base commander of CFB Edmonton.

As part of the event, all participants, mostly men, must walk a mile in Downtown Edmonton in high heels.

Ten members of the 3rd Canadian Division participated including BGen. Trevor Cadieu, Canadian 3rd Division Sergeant-Major Chief Warrant Officer Shawn Stevens, as well as Chief Warrant Officer James Doppler.

This was McKenzie’s first year taking part in the campaign.

“It was very heartening to see a wide variety of business and community leaders in Edmonton all taking part in this event to collectively raise awareness and raise money,” commented McKenzie.

The more than 400 people who took part in the walk helped to surpass the YWCA’s goal of raising $190,000 by raising upwards of $204,000.

The funds raised go towards several local programs that support those in-crisis and survivors of domestic violence like counseling services, supporting the Lakeside Haven domestic violence recovery program, psychological service support for crisis shelters, and violence prevention programs for girls.

According to McKenzie, it’s important for the base to take part in the walk, as a part of the Edmonton community, and show support for victims of domestic violence.

“For the military, honestly, domestic violence, spousal abuse, child abuse, there’s no excuse for it. It’s an abhorrent practice, and obviously, something we take to heart is to raise support for families,” said McKenzie.