Third annual Walk a Mile in her Shoes puts men in high heels

It’s National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and to bring attention to the issue Underground Railroad will host its third annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes: The International Men’s March to Stop Gender Violence” event on Saturday, April 30th at Birch Run Premium Outlets.

The event is a light-hearted way for men to raise awareness about violence against women. Many of the men wear women’s high heels as a way of demonstrating the old saying, “You can’t understand someone until you’ve walked a mile in her shoes.” High heel shoes are provided in men’s sizes 10-14. The event is also open to women and children.

Each walker or team is encouraged to raise pledges with the goal of raising $5,000 to support Underground Railroad, which provides safety and resources to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human slavery in Saginaw County. Those who choose not to raise pledges can pay the general registration fee of $20 per individual or $50 per family.

Registration and check-in will begin at 8:30 am in the parking lot of the GAP Factory Store within the Outlets, followed by the walk at 9:30 am. Walkers will proceed around the outlet stores, and end back at the GAP Factory Store for food, games, raffle prizes, and the announcement of the fundraising awards.

To sign up as an individual, family, or group, visit the Walk A Mile registration page, or use the “sign up” button at the top of the event’s Facebook page.

This year’s event sponsors include Birch Run Premium Outlets, Wildfire Credit Union, SVRC Industries, Inc., Emil Rummel Agency, Inc. Future Insurance Agency, Inc., The Panda House Restaurant, Covenant Healthcare, Martin Chevrolet, Norton Kidd Accounting, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority, Ace American Alarm Company, Firehouse Soft Wash, Kennari Consulting, and Michigan Pipe & Valve.