Fifth Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Seeks Participants
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The fifth annual Berkshire County “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence” will take place during Third Thursday, Sept. 17, rain or shine, in downtown Pittsfield.
Event organizers are seeking organizations and businesses sign up to walk during the event. Registrations are now being accepted online. Registration is free, but walkers are encouraged to raise money through sponsorships. Walkers who raise $55 or more will receive a commemorative Walk a Mile t-shirt. Supporters may also sponsor walkers through the Elizabeth Freeman Center website.
Registration begins at 5 p.m. on the corner of North Street and Columbus Avenue. Walkers are encouraged to wear their flashiest shoes as they walk a mile downtown to demonstrate their commitment to stop violence and show solidarity with violence survivors. Proceeds from the event will benefit Elizabeth Freeman Center (EFC), the domestic violence/rape crisis center in Berkshire County.
“It is important to note that 100 percent of the money raised benefits the center. We hope everyone will take to the street that night and walk for a better today and a better tomorrow,” EFC’s Executive Director Janis Broderick said.
Men are encouraged (but not required) to walk in women's high-heeled shoes. They can bring their own or choose from shoes and shoe decorations which will be available at registration. Pledge sheets are available at Bagels Too; Flavours of Malaysia Restaurant; Guido’s; on Facebook; at elizabethfreemancenter.org; or by calling 413-499-2425.
Elizabeth Freeman Center provides free and confidential 24-hour services to help survivors of violence, including a hotline, shelter, emergency transportation, counseling, court advocacy, supervised visitation and specialized services for immigrants, LGBQT persons and rural survivors. It also works with children and youth in day cares and schools, providing violence prevention education. EFC has offices in North Adams, Pittsfield and Great Barrington, with staff in the Adams and Pittsfield Police Departments, three county courts and Berkshire County Kids’ Place.
Tags: domestic violence,
