Quick Escape 
What an unforgettable day, Hamilton and Halton!
We want to thank you, the Hamilton and Halton community, for stepping up for the 16th annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes and walking together for a future free of violence. Because of you, our community is safer.
With the sun shining bright and a pep in their steps, we had more than 500 walkers on 47 teams, 46 dedicated volunteers and countless supporters who took to Hamilton City Hall with red shoes, solidarity, and smiles.
YWCA CEO Medora Uppal shared the significance of the outpouring of support from the walkers, the donors, the volunteers, and every single person who refuses to accept violence as a fact of life.
“What a powerful sight to see our community come together today — united with a purpose, standing in solidarity. Walk a Mile in Their Shoes is a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating safety, dignity, and justice for women, girls, and gender-diverse people.” Medora Uppal said.
Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General Member of the Standing Committee on Justice MPP Monica Ciriello then joined Medora to announce that YWCA Hamilton has received a $2 million investment from the Province of Ontario and the Ministry of Children, Community Services and Social Development to launch a Gender-Based Violence Support Services Hub.
Medora shared, “This Hub will be a transformative space — offering integrated, wraparound services to women, children, youth and gender-diverse individuals who are experiencing violence. It will be a place of healing, of safety, and of possibility.
This groundbreaking investment represents what’s possible when communities and multiple levels of government work together.”
Thank you to the Province of Ontario, for funding YWCA Hamilton through the Ontario STANDS initiative. A special thank you to MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General, Monica Ciriello for being a champion of this cause — your voice and advocacy makes a real difference.
Before taking to the streets of Hamilton, we also celebrated the accomplishments of this year’s top fundraisers and biggest team in our Award Ceremony.
Our 2025 Walk a Mile Award Winners:
Congratulations to Rob Green for raising $5,695 and winning the Top Individual Fundraiser Award! Thank you for supporting survivors of gender-based violence!
Congratulations to Team Green Benefits Group | Acera Benefits for raising $6,404 and winning the Top Team Fundraiser Award.
Congratulations to Tracey Warren, YWCA Hamilton’s Philanthropy Officer for raising $2,190 and won Top Staff Fundraiser Award.,
Congratulations to Team Alectra for recruiting 88 team members and winning the Biggest Team Award. A special thank you to Captain Alona Andronikova for championing the cause!
Congratulations also goes out to the winners of the Grand Prize Draw, Stephanie Milliken, WAM Sweepstakes, SOPEN Hamilton; and Passport Gift Card Winner, Gwen L. And other passport prize winners are Jaden A., Sandra C., and Sandy B.
Then, holding signs, cheering for solidarity, and wearing red, walkers walked through downtown Hamilton – letting survivors know that they are not alone.
Thank You from the Bottom of Our Hearts
Together, we’ve raised over $121,000 to support survivors and help them rebuild their lives — and we’re not done yet.
With your continued support, we can reach our $150,000 goal by the end of June. If you haven’t had a chance to give, there’s still time to be part of this powerful movement. Donate online today — because everyone deserves to feel safe.
These funds will help provide safe shelter and gender-based violence support services, expand dedicated shelter beds and perinatal care, support critical programs like our unique child-focused model of Supervised Parenting Services and increase access to gender-based violence counselling in our community.
This huge accomplishment is a testament of our community’s commitment to ending violence and helping survivors rebuild their lives. It would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors and partners. Thank you to:
Groundbreaker Sponsors – Alectra, LiUNA!
Kickstarter Sponsors – Flash Security, Findlay Law
Lunch Partner – Sheraton Hamilton Hotel
Annual Partners – Atomic Spark, Soundbox Productions, Starward Homes
Thank you to our Emcee Lenore Lukasik-Foss, Awards Host Robin Lacambra, and Yamilly, Lori and Anne Marie from YWCA Hamilton’s Health and Wellness Team for leading the celebration from the stage.
To see more of the event, view our gallery here.