YWCA Cambridge Ready to Lace Up for 14 th Annual Walk A Mile Fundraiser

YWCA Cambridge’s Walk to End Gender-Based Violence Marks 14th Year

WATERLOO REGION — YWCA Cambridge’s highly anticipated Walk A Mile in Their Shoes event is set to return for its fourteenth consecutive year on Saturday, October 14, in downtown Galt. This annual walk serves as a platform to raise both awareness and funds in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), while also supporting YWCA Cambridge’s essential violence prevention programs for girls and gender-diverse youth across the region.

Since its inception, Walk A Mile in Their Shoes has raised an impressive $172,000, with the goal for this year set at $50,000. The funds will go toward expanding these critical programs and addressing a growing waitlist — a challenge that has been exacerbated by the pandemic and continues to escalate.

According to Kim Decker, CEO of YWCA Cambridge, the impact of the pandemic is still being felt by youth across the community. “While the worst of the pandemic may be behind us, its effects continue to reverberate. We’re seeing heightened levels of isolation, mental health struggles, and a troubling rise in bullying, particularly around issues of gender, sexuality, and cultural identity,” said Decker.

YWCA Cambridge’s programming, grounded in evidence-based violence prevention, seeks to empower young people by fostering self-confidence, promoting healthy relationship dynamics, and cultivating an understanding of boundaries. However, despite its success, the program remains underfunded, with demand continuing to outpace available resources.

Decker further emphasizes the urgency: “Preventing gender-based violence before it starts is critical. This is why we are asking for the community’s support to ensure that every young person who needs this program has access to it.”

Walk A Mile in Their Shoes is a free, family-friendly event, welcoming participants of all ages. Those wishing to join the walk can register individually, join an existing team, or form their own group. While participants are encouraged to wear the iconic red high heels, it is entirely optional.