Quick Escape 
Wow!! We did it!
Thanks to you – the generous supporters, partners, and staff of YWCA Hamilton – we are thrilled to announce that Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 2021 raised over $152,000 and counting to support women and children escaping violence.
Throughout Walk Week, we were thrilled to see so many supporters from Hamilton and beyond putting on their red shoes and walking in solidarity with survivors. We had 52 teams and 242 registered walkers who collected over 1,2010 individual donations – what an amazing show of support!
We capped off the week with our Virtual Awards ceremony, hosted by charismatic emcees Rafal Tomczuk and Lohifa Pogoson Acker. A huge congratulations to our award winners: Social Media Sweepstakes winner Sharr Carins; YWCA Staff Top Fundraiser Jodee Webb; Top Individual Fundraiser Terri Johns; Top Team Fundraiser Alectra Utilities; and the Biggest Team Award to Team Squirrel Friends! And, who could forget the #HAMONT Firefighters, who rocked their red heels and took home the “Who Walked it Best” award!
This year also saw a brand-new initiative that engaged over 35 local business in our “Tap to End Violence” campaign, which encourages customers to tap their debit/credit cards or smartphones on touchless donation devices to donate to support survivors of violence. You’ll continue to see our Tap to End Violence machines around Hamilton until the end of August, so be sure to keep an eye out and have your card or phone ready! Throughout the month of August, you can also find Walk Stars in the community who will be carrying devices wherever they go to encourage donations. View our full list of businesses and Walk Stars tapping to end violence here.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 2021 would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors, including our presenting sponsor LiUNA.
“The Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA) are proud to present Walk a Mile in Her Shoes and stand united with YWCA Hamilton in a global call to action to end gender based violence,” shared Joseph Mancinelli, LiUNA International Vice President and Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Canada.
“Violence against women and girls remains one of the largest gender inequality rights issues and we must work together to strengthen the future of our communities and of our country, one that holds zero tolerance for violence against women. On behalf of LiUNA Local 837, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to building and advocating for safe, inclusive communities.”
To everyone who participated in Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 2021 – sponsors, volunteers, walkers, donors, staff, and community partners – thank you for your continued support! With your help, we will continue to raise funds and awareness to end violence against women.
There is still time to make a difference in the lives of women and children who are fleeing violence. Please consider donating to support YWCA Hamilton programs and services.