Local men to strap on heels to support an end for violence against women: First-time event comes to Haldimand

By Mike Renzella

The Haldimand Press

HAGERSVILLE—The Haldimand and Norfolk Women’s Services group are busy preparing for their fourth annual ‘Hope in High Heels’ charity event this fall.

The event is a good-natured way to raise awareness for a serious issue affecting the region. On Saturday, September 21, 2019 men from across Haldimand Norfolk will learn what it is like to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes as they strap on their finest pair of high heels to participate in two separate fundraising walks.

“All money raised directly benefits the local organization, which is comprised of part Residential Services and part Community Services,” explains Lauren Harrington, a representative for the group.

According to an annual report, 2018-2019 saw women’s shelters in the area operating at a 98% rate of capacity. Operators handled 536 crisis calls throughout the year, in addition to 751 calls for counselling, and a total of 191 women needed to be referred out due to shelter capacities. Approximately one out of four women in Haldimand Norfolk has been the victim of abusive behaviour.