A:    YWCA Hamilton’s policies and practices are rooted in intersectional feminism, safety, equity and accountability. As an organization we continually review, develop and strengthen the ways in which we serve and engage our staff, our clients and our communities. Part of this work is recognizing that we don’t always get it right – but we are committed to doing better. And, as the needs in our community evolve, so do we.

Our decision to change the name of Walk a Mile in Her Shoes to Walk a Mile in Their Shoes is an important one because we know that in addition to women and girls, that Two-Spirit LGBTQIA+ people experience violence at higher rates than anyone else in our Hamilton and Halton communities. It’s our responsibility as an organization and as a community to advocate for all survivors and to help create a Hamilton that’s free of hate and violence. Because everyone deserves to feel safe.

A:  There are many ways to participate in Walk a Mile in Their Shoes! Individual walkers can register to experience the in-person event for $42 or $6 for students.. Our ‘Out of Town’ registration is free and does not include access to the in-person event.

Once registered, you’ll gain access to your personal fundraising page which you can customize and share with your contacts, and personalized supports and resources to help you reach your fundraising goals

A:     YWCA Hamilton relies on funds raised by Walk a Mile in Their Shoes to provide supports, advocacy and services to women, girls and gender-diverse people experiencing violence.

From safety, shelter and transitional living to peer-check ins, counseling and safety planning, we provide life-changing and life-saving supports to survivors. Learn more about the impact of your support.

A:    Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is a signature YWCA Hamilton fundraising event that powers life-changing and life-saving programs for survivors. This year, we have a bold fundraising goal and are calling on our community to help us fundraise an unprecedented $200,000 because the need for our services is greater now more than ever.

We hope that you will set a personal fundraising goal and ask your friends, family and colleagues to support you. All pledges and donations of $20 or more will be issued a charitable tax receipt when donor name and address have been provided.

By fundraising, you will also have access to our exclusive grand prizes! Walkers raising $600 or more will be entered into our grand prize giveaway and the top individual and top team fundraisers will also be awarded.

A:     Register to sign up as an individual, as a Team Captain, or to join an existing team.

Is this cause close to your heart? Personalize your participant page to reflect your story and tell others why you are stepping up and walking in solidarity with survivors!

A:   Cash or cheque donations are considered “Offline Donations.” Participants must hand in all cash and cheques received with the Walk a Mile pledge form in order to have tax receipts issued to donors and for donations to be counted toward your individual or team fundraising goal. The pledge form will be e-
mailed as part of a Welcome Package to each registered walker and will also be available within the Participant Centre.

Registered participants can enter cash and cheque donations through their personal page so that these offline donations are reflected online in the total raised. Please enter these by June 13, 2023.

Completed pledge forms with cash and cheque donations may be dropped off to YWCA Hamilton or submitted at the event on or before June 14, 2023. To confirm your donation drop off please contact Cassandra. DO NOT MAIL CASH. Donations of $20 or more will be issued a charitable tax receipt.

A:    The number one reason people don’t give is because they are not asked. Involve your friends, family and colleagues in your fundraising and you will reach your goal in no time! Once you register online, please share your participant page to your networks and send emails requesting support. There is also a downloadable pledge form for collecting cash donations and a flyer you can print and share.

Login to the Participant Center or view your Welcome Package e-mailed by a YWCA Hamilton team member to download our ‘Fundraising Tips & Tricks’ kit to help you reach your personal and team fundraising goals!

Let us help you raise funds and awareness by hosting a presentation on the impact of Walk a Mile with your friends or colleagues. We are happy to discuss creative and fun ways to mobilize your networks and workplaces.

A:       The colour red represents strength, leadership, courage, vigor, determination and willpower. By participating in YWCA Hamilton’s Walk A Mile In Their Shoes, you’re taking a stand against gender-based violence. By wearing red, you’re walking in solidarity with survivors and sharing a message of strength.

Consider taking your support to a new level and wear YWCA Hamilton gear to the walk! Check out our online store and start shopping.

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YWCA Hamilton is a registered charity (#11923 6792 RR0001). Donations of $20 or more are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Please note that tax receipts will not be provided for registration fees. Tax receipts are automatically generated for online donations and will be emailed shortly after the gift has been made. Offline donations and pledge forms will be collected event day and tax receipts will be issued shortly afterwards by mail. Please contact Cassandra for any questions you may have about tax receipting.