Big Island Men to ‘Walk a Mile’ in Heels

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes courtesy photo.

The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Hawai‘i Island will host the sixth annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the YWCA Ululani Street campus.

This year the march will be led by Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth and radio personality Darrin “DC” Carlson.

The goal is to raise $25,000 for the only 24-hour, seven-day a week rape crisis center for Hawaii Island, the YWCA Hawaii Island Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) program .

SASS provides free services which include; crisis counseling, therapy for assault survivors and their families, forensic evidence collection and violence prevention education for schools and the community.

“October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so ‘Walk a Mile’ is a chance for men to literally walk in women’s shoes. It’s also an opportunity to call for an end to sex assault, rape and gender violence in our community,” said Kathleen McGilvray, CEO of YWCA Hawai‘i Island. “Sadly, nearly 50% of our SASS clients are 18 and under. Every dollar raised will be used to help survivors address and move through the trauma of sex assault.”

SASS responded to over 2,441 crisis and support calls from survivors and their families in 2015, as well as, last year 329 cases were opened, 1,929 hours of therapy were performed and fifty sexual assault forensic medical exams were completed by SASS .

Saturday’s participants are to meet at the kick-off location for the mile long walk, at the Hilo YWCA by 7:30 a.m. for registration, shoe selection and walk warm up.

To participate in the judges’ choice contest, walkers must wear decorated shoes, complete an entry form and pay a $25 registration fee.

Those interested in participating in the walk, individually or as a team or to be an event sponsor, contact [email protected].

Established in 1919 the not for profit organization, YWCA of Hawai‘i Island, offers services and programs including a nationally accredited preschool, the only Teen Court for Hawai‘i Island and the only home visitation program to prevent child abuse and neglect for children ages 0 to 3 in East Hawai‘i.

The YWCA of Hawai‘i Island is part of the YWCA USA, the largest and oldest national women’s organization with the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

The YWCA nationally represents more than two million women, girls and their families each year and more than 25 million women and girls in over a hundred countries around the world.