One
community organization that I like to support is the London’s Women’s Community House. It really fills my heart with
sadness when I hear stories about how women and children are abused – both
physically and emotionally. This feeling
empowers me to join with others as we strive to bring awareness as well as the
needed funding to the people and organizations that work so hard to assist
those who need a fresh start.
For just
over a decade, organizers from the LWCH has been holding an annual event that
allows Londoners an opportunity to address this very serious concern in a fun
way. Instead of raising these concerns
in a very serious forum, organizers have realized that smiles build stronger
bridges, open more doors and get more people involved.
This
annual event is called “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes” and this title can be taken
in full context as male supporters for this organization are required to walk a
full mile in red high heeled shoes!
At this
year’s event, I was surprised to learn that I had won a door prize! Prize notifications are randomly inserted
into the boxes containing the red high heels and when I went to get my pumps I
found one such notification inside.
Yeah!!!
The event
begins with a few inspirational speeches and the participants make a lot of
noise when the London Police and Fire Department officers strut around in their
shiny shoes.
Without
much to-do, the walk begins! First we
ascend a large flight of stairs to get ourselves out to the downtown
streets. Many moms and young females
enjoy showing their support for our support for such a great cause!!
I asked
organizers for a second set of high heeled shoes for my son, Devon, but they
didn’t have any that fit… so I dangled these large ones off his feet for a
quick photo-op! Organizers told me that
they will make sure that a handful of smaller sized pumps are available for
children participants, next year.
Hundreds
of London fathers, brothers, boyfriends and families participate! The local media has a lot of fun showcasing
photos of our police, firemen and local politicians all unified for one
important event!
The one
mile walk takes place in London’s downtown where it will attract the most
attention. A bright red firetruck leads
the walk.
Local
politicians usually follow right behind.
This year, we had London’s newest mayor, Matt Brown and his two sons, as
well as two new City Coucillors, Josh Morgan and Jesse Helmer, joining in.
Then The
London Shriners follow (check out their funky red loafers!) making a lot of
noise with their drums, gongs, flutes and whistles!
And
somewhere in the middle of this crowd, you’ll find me “The Peaceman!” with my
son, Devon! Of course, Mommy is in
attendance, as well – who do you think took all of these photos?
We were
greeted at the end of our one mile walk by this group of college and university
students who dedicate themselves to ensuring that our post secondary students
have a safe and trouble free experience while attending their schools.
Cookies,
muffins and refreshments are waiting for us as we get a chance to inspect our
new blisters and injured toes! Our small
moment of pain acts as a gentle reminder of those who have dealt with and still
deal with other forms of pain on a daily basis.
I hope
that this story has inspired you to ‘Be The Change!’ in your own
community. It is in each one of us to
find the passion to be caring, sharing and giving.
I look
forward to the day when our societies have matured to the point where events of
this nature are but a distant memory!
Jim
Kogelheide
2015
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