Stettler’s first “Walk a mile in her shoes” fundraising and awareness campaign raised a whopping $26,000 to far surpass organizers’ goals.
The out-pouring of support from the community surprised and pleased event chair Lindsey Bromley.
“There was phenomenal support from the community, it far exceeded our expectations,” Bromley said.
“We were hoping to raise $10,000 in our first year.”
More than 50 area men slipped into four-inch red high heel shoes and walked, ran, strutted or limped their way around West Stettler Park on Sunday afternoon.
Some had more difficulty than others manoeuvring the course.
A couple of innovative guys taped their shoes on.
While some men complained of aching arches and calves, one said, “Everything hurts from the hips down.”
The pledges they gathered are to support breaking the cycle of family violence.
The event, blessed with good weather, was of a festive nature.
Families gathered at the park to cheer on the men in heels, who seemed to be having fun with the event.
A few, not only wore high heels, but also wore dresses.
One of the women in the crowd commented, “Some of those guys have better legs than I do.”
The Domino band entertained the crowd with their country music tunes after the male members of the band made the walk in heels too.
The Kinettes and Kinsmen, along with local sponsors, hosted a complimentary barbecue to keep the event-goers well fed.
Prizes were handed out to recognize some of the top walkers.
Stettler teacher Brett Nixon received the award for most pledges. He gathered $2,000 in pledges.
Justin Tanner was acclaimed to be the best dressed.
A dress and wig completed his ensemble.
Sixteen-year-old Steven Teasdale was the youngest walker registered carrying pledges and the oldest walker was Fraser Beebe.