Quick Escape 
Wow! What an incredible day!
This year’s Walk a Mile in Their Shoes – our first in-person event since 2019 – was a huge success, raising $158,000 and counting for survivors of gender-based violence. Not only did we surpass our fundraising goal of $150,000, but the 2022 Walk a Mile in Their Shoes will go down in history as the highest-grossing Walk a Mile event ever!
This huge accomplishment can be attributed to the support of over 50 volunteers, YWCA Hamilton’s passionate staff team and 1,148 donors who supported 385 walkers from 55 teams. Together, we stepped into red shoes for a rally and march around downtown Hamilton in solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence. This milestone was also made possible thanks to the overwhelming support we received from the community – and from our sponsors, particularly our presenting sponsorLabourers International Union of North America (LiUNA).
“Violence against women, girls and Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ remains one of the largest gender inequality rights issues and we must work together to enact change and empower stronger, safe and communities,” said Joseph Mancinelli, LiUNA International Vice President and Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Canada. “On behalf of the Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA) we are proud to present Walk a Mile in Their Shoes and stand united with YWCA Hamilton in a global call to action to end gender-based violence.”
Emcee Lohifa Pogoson Acker brought the hype on event day and welcomed many special guests including YWCA Hamilton’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year, Rafal Tomczuk. Many walkers slipped on the iconic red shoes and danced along with members of YWCA Hamilton’s health and wellness teams as they lead the crowd in a warm-up. The crowd also marched in solidarity with survivors of violence in the streets of downtown Hamilton, holding signs and – for many – teetering in red heels.
“We are so thrilled to see so many members of the Hamilton and Halton communities come together to show their support for survivors,” said YWCA CEO Denise Christopherson. “We are so thankful to everyone who helped to make our event such a huge success.”
Congratulations to this year’s Walk A Mile Award Winners:
Top Fundraising Team Award
St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton & Friends
$11,390
Top Individual Fundraiser Award
Rafal Tomczuk
$8,370
Top YWCA Hamilton Staff Fundraiser Award
Danielle Donville
$2,010
Biggest Team Award
Alectra and Friends
26 Registered Walkers
Our Sweepstakes Winners are:
YWCA Hamilton Gift Basket – Felicia Van Dyk
HSR Prize Pack #1 – Danielle Donville
HSR Prize Pack #2 – Serafina from Instagram
Grand Prize Draw winner:
Mary Lou Tanner
Sponsor Row Prize Winner:
Brenda Heyer
Thank you so much, Hamilton and Halton, for your support, encouragement, and enthusiasm, and for helping to make this year’s Walk a Mile in Their Shoes such a fantastic event!