Rain or shine, it's Walk a Mile time!
Earlier last week I had emailed Heather Croft (the main organizer of the Walk a mile in her shoes event) concerning the weather. I asked her in so many words about whether the event would be re-scheduled or cancelled due to rain because the forecast looked terrible. The response I got was terrific "no Kirk we can't change the date, but don't worry it WON'T rain." No ifs, ands or buts about it. I think I am still convinced that it didn't rain because Heather's positive attitude kept it away. Either way, the weather totally co-operated, and it is a good thing too because the attendance was higher than it was last year. Once I got out of my car a feeling that I had experienced about a year before came sweeping over me. I believe that it is the feeling of true selflessness. Not just for me, but for all of the people who participated, and volunteered. Everyone was pitching in for the greater good. To help someone who needed them. And no one was looking for anything in return.
I think that the main goal besides raising money is social acceptance. I think I heard Heather saying that the number one reason that women and children that are in abusive relationships don't come forward is because of the stigma attached to needing help. So by doing events like walk a mile, the message gets sent that Barrie supports you and your needs, however big or small they may be.
I had someone say to me that they thought dressing up like a woman was mocking the idea, and I used to share that sentiment, but I talked to Heather about it and she has a different opinion. Her idea is that by people dressing up and having fun with such a sensitive topic, they aren't making fun of the issues, they are breaking down walls that society puts up when they hear the word abuse. If those walls come down, and conversations begin to happen, more women we feel safe talking about their experiences and seeking the appropriate help.
When I do the walk I take my kids and my wife. My kids are the new generation, and so far I think they may be the best generation yet. If you think about it, they have less bias to race, gender, and sexuality because they have been exposed to more and are accepting. They will be much closer to abolishing racism and judgement because it is the norm now. I take them to walk with me because they will also be the generation to not stand for abuse. And the walk is a good start to accomplishing that. It sends the message that there are placing you can go or call to have conversations, and it takes away the power of the abusers.
I am very proud to have participated this year and last year. I will be very proud to participate in the years to come, and I hope you come down next year to see for yourself. If nothing else I can assure you this...it WON'T rain, because the person that puts everything she has into this event, told me so!
You can either pledge the Fast Solution team by clicking the link below, or you can walk yourself! Either way, you are supporting a great cause that is in need of it.
Make sure to add "Fast Solution Pledge" to the Special Instructions to the seller
