It was a record setting night in North Battleford for Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. (battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Walk mile

Walk a Mile participation doubles in North Battleford

May 20, 2022 | 10:47 AM

Walking a mile in high heels went a long way to support the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre (BASAC) on Thursday.

A record 59 participants took part in the sixth annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, hosted by Blend Restaurant & Bar, which is up from 32 entries in 2021. Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie said his lower body was feeling the effects of walking in heels, but that it was worth it.

“This is one of my favourite days of the year,” he said.

Each participant brought in donations and several local businesses contributed with their own pledges and gifted raffle items. With plenty of counting still ahead, there’s already been more than $16,000 donated, well over 2021’s total of $12,000.

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Leslie said it’s a huge positive to see the event grow and highlight the reality and impact of sexual assault. A report in 2019 found that Saskatchewan has one of the highest rates of sexual assault in Canada, while multiple centres in the province have reported the pandemic made situations worse for survivors.

“We need to find a way to raise funds and awareness, so people are comfortable coming forward and saying not in my town, not in my world, not in my life,” he said.

Blend owner Robin Petersen told battlefordsNOW that he was pleased to see the turnout.

“It’s a very important organization for us, the city and the Battlefords,” he said. “People are coming out to support causes and it’s great to see that trend.”

BASAC executive director Amber Stewart said she was very grateful to Petersen and the rest of the sponsors, as well as everyone who joined the walk. Participants ranged from elected officials to Battlefords North Stars players and police officers. Stewart noted that the relationship with the detachment and the centre has improved dramatically in recent years.

“We have the RCMP here and it’s really important that survivors know the RCMP have their backs and support them,” Stewart said.

(battlefordsNOW Staff)

She added that they’re going to continue to grow the event each year. While the funds will have an immediate benefit for BASAC operations, Stewart said they hope that seeing all of the men on the walk will have a similarly positive impact.

“Maybe someone sees one of these guys in this walk and knows that they are an ally,” she said.

Information on BASAC programming, advocacy and more is available on their website.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW