A participant in a Scottish kilt is spotted at the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre’s (BASAC) eighth annual Walk a Mile in Our Shoes event on May 15, 2025, in North Battleford. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES

Men walk in heels to stand with survivors at BASAC fundraiser

May 16, 2025 | 4:00 PM

Dozens of men strapped on red high heels and hit the pavement Thursday for the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre’s (BASAC) eighth annual Walk a Mile in Our Shoes — a community event aimed at raising awareness about sexual violence and showing survivors they’re not alone.

Amber Stewart, executive director of BASAC, believes the event is about shifting focus from survivors to the responsibility of allies — particularly men — in helping end sexual violence.

“Sexual violence is always focused on women, but we need the men to be part of that conversation.So, that’s what these guys are doing here today, and having a ton of fun while they do it,” she said.

Battlefords North Stars commentator Austin Mattes (middle) and assistant coach Owen Lamb (right) take part in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in North Battleford. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

According to the Government of Saskatchewan’s most recent Domestic Violence Death Review Report, 82 per cent of perpetrators in 2024 were men and 83 per cent of victims were women.

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While the walk includes moments of humour and camaraderie, Stewart said its impact goes far beyond the event itself. In addition to raising awareness, it serves as BASAC’s largest annual fundraiser — accounting for roughly 40 per cent of the centre’s operating budget.

“We started it eight years ago, and it was a hit. So, we just keep doing it, and we look forward to doing it,” she said. “The guys look forward to it, they might complain, but they look forward to it.”

BASAC has provided a safe place for victims in the Battlefords and surrounding areas for over four decades.

Notably, a joint fundraising effort between the Rotary Club of the Battlefords and Pattison Media raised the most money of any participating group.

“Victims of sexual abuse are usually not in a strong position, and I think there is the responsibility of other people to stand up and say ‘they count too,’ and we can’t tolerate that kind of nonsense in our society,” said John Jangula, a director with the Rotary Foundation of the Battlefords and past president of the local club.

“I think Rotarians are a good, visible group of people that can stand up and make that statement.”

John Jangula, right, and his wife Annette take part in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in North Battleford. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW staff)

James Waggoner, manager of the Battlefords Co-op food store, topped the individual fundraising list, bringing in over $1,400 thanks to customer donations.

“It’s a good cause and our customers are very generous, and they donated a lot of money,” he noted.

Waggoner said the issue hits close to home for many.

“We all have wives, mothers, daughters, right? And it affects everyone, right?” he said. “Nobody wants to see someone hurt.”

Among those recognized by BASAC for their long-standing support was the Battlefords North Stars. Team president Kyle Kellgren said the walk is one way the hockey club gives back.

“Because the community is behind us all the time as the hockey club, and just to support a great community organization like this is huge,” he said. “So we love to support the program. It’s unbelievable [and] it’s so true.”

Kellgren added the event is a reminder that awareness must come from everyone — especially men.

“Every guy in the community should be doing this, because everybody should realize how much it is to walk a mile in their shoes,” he said.

The representative of Battlefords North Star. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW staff)

For participant Kurt Briant, walking in heels was more than a symbolic gesture, it was a way to honour the experience of women he cares about.

“I’ve never experienced any kind of violence in my life or as a child, but I know a lot of women that I’ve dated have, ” he said.

“It’s really important that it’s drawn to attention in society, because people don’t like to talk about it, so it takes everybody here today and the organizers to give us that opportunity to share and to show people that it is important to some of us. ”

He said he hopes survivors watching the event feel seen.

“I hope it gives them hope that not all men are bad, or not all people are bad, right? and there are people out there that actually care.”

(Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Jangula echoed that sentiment.

“I sometimes feel bad for what other men in your in your gender type do, and it’s sad that people are that way and they would take advantage of situations. So if men can step up and say ‘that’s not all men, that’s the minority of men,’ all the more power to those that need the support,” he added.

Stewart said the visible support from men sends a powerful message to those BASAC serves.

“Survivors saying how much it means to them to see the men wearing the shoes and the men supporting them,” she recalled. “And really, all survivors want is to be believed.”

“We’re just trying to give them their power back and know that they’re supported and they’re believed, and that the community is going to stand with them.”

The walk began at The Blend Kitchen and Bar, continued to the Esso gas station, and looped back to the restaurant.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com