While the Bonnyville Pontiacs might have lost 2-0 to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons on Sunday, the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre came out big winners.
The Centre held their first “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event during the game, raising awareness of their work regarding family violence issues in their new Bonnyville office and raising funds. About twenty men – including Mayor Gene Sobolewski, several firefighters, an MD Peace Officer and members of the charity biker group Protection for the Unprotected – all put on some red high heels and asked for donations in the stands. A few went whole nine yards and donned some feather boas and tiaras provided by the centre.
“This event was absolutely amazing,” says Resource Development Coordinator Serina Parsons. “All twenty walkers came in and together they raised over four thousand dollars. Considering this is our first event, they went out in the crowd, they solicited donations, it was just a phenomenal way to raise funds and awareness for what we do.”
“I’m really proud of what we did today and I’m really looking forward to making next year bigger and better.”
The fundraiser had a competitive element as well. Gary Mostert with Protection for the Unprotected (pictured far left,) raised the most out of any walker, getting 1100 dollars all on his own. His name has been engraved on a trophy in the shape of a sparkly red heel and will have to sign up again next year if he wants to defend his title.