Calgary men strap on a pair of heels in support of the YWCA WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES®

Local men take a stand to help women and their children walk away from family violence in Calgary

CALGARY, Sept. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - For the seventh year, the YWCA of Calgary (YWCA) is challenging men to help women and their children walk away from family violence with the annual fundraising event, YWCA WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES®. 

Today, brave men will be strapping on a pair of high heels and walking two laps around Olympic Plaza. Participants are taking a stand and raising money to support the valuable work the YWCA does to break the cycle of family violence.

"The YWCA is proud to raise awareness and funds to support the serious issue of family violence," said Sue Tomney, CEO of the YWCA of Calgary. "Family violence is the single largest women's health issue in Canada. It affects women and children of all races, ages, socio-economic classes and educational backgrounds."

Along with being the presenting sponsor for YWCA WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES®, Pengrowth Energy Corporation has raised more than $200,000, including corporate donations for the YWCA of Calgary family violence prevention programs and emergency shelter.

"Team Pengrowth will be defending our 'Top Team' and 'Top Walker' trophies," said Derek Evans, President and CEO of Pengrowth Energy Corporation. "We challenged Corporate Calgary to step up, step out and help end family violence in Calgary. Together we can make a difference."

The YWCA of Calgary hopes to raise $500,000 at this year's event.

About the YWCA of Calgary

YWCA of Calgary is one of the longest serving social service organizations in Calgary.  During its more than 100 year history, the organization has touched thousands of lives and has evolved its programming to meet the changing needs of women in the community.  Although other agencies focus on women's poverty and family violence, the YWCA of Calgary also provides a continuum of services focused on moving women from a position of vulnerability to one of sustainable strength and opportunity.  The YWCA of Calgary represents one of the largest social agencies in the city, serving more than 10,000 Calgarians in 2011 alone.

SOURCE: YWCA of Calgary

Sophie Pilon
Brookline Public Relations
t: 403-538-5641 ext. 110
c: 403-815-7340
[email protected]