COLDWATER, MI — Monroe Street will close on Saturday morning, April 25, for the 16th annual “Walk A Mile in Their Shoes” fundraiser benefiting the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Sexual Violence.
Over the years, the event has grown from a simple high-heeled walk by local officials and community members into a fundraiser supporting the Naomi Davis Shelterhouse on Michigan Avenue.
The fundraiser now features a 5K run and walk, a march against domestic violence, and a pet walk primarily for dogs.
Participants collect pledges online and in person, raising $68,000 in donations last year.
Men who promise to complete the round-the-block walk in high heels usually draw the largest pledges.
BCCADSV provides a collection of large high-heeled shoes for participants without their own, available on Monroe Street before the walk.
Coalition director Kim Hemker said fundraising this year is more important than ever because proposed federal budget cuts will reduce funding for local programs.
The Naomi Davis Center offers a safe haven, advocacy, and support services for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault and their dependents.
Schedule of events
Anyone interested in participating can register online in advance for any activity—the Walk A Mile, the 5K run/walk, or the dog walk—at www.278safe.com/register.
Arrive Saturday morning on South Monroe Street in downtown Coldwater for run registration and the pancake breakfast.
Choose your activity: participants can join the mile walk/march, run or walk the 5K, bring a leashed dog for the dog walk, or attend as a supporter and visitor to booths and activities.
“This event is unique because the entire community unites to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence which includes men,” Hemker said.
Even through the COVID-19 pandemic, rain or shine, the walk has taken place since 2011.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Coldwater welcomes men in high heels to downtown on Saturday morning
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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