E.D. Smith employees step into high heels, step up for women facing poverty and abuse

Jody Ridgers and J.J. Batchelor are putting on two-and-a-half-inch high heels for a good cause.

The pair is among 18 E.D. Christian Louboutin Sandals Smith employees who will join more than 60 men, women and families, as they slip into high heels this Sunday for YWCA Hamilton’s Walk A Mile In Her Shoes.

The pledged-based event raises funds and awareness to help women caught in a cycle of poverty and violence.

Money raised supports YWCA Hamilton’s Transitional Living Program, which helps women as they take steps to walk away from poverty and violence.

“Woman abuse is the same as child abuse, it’s just unacceptable,” said 41-year-old Ridgers, who will also be walking with his two daughters.

“Too many women suffer in silence because they’re afraid to report their abuse for fear of retaliation by their abuser.

No one should have to live like that, Christian Louboutin Evening so we’re doing this for them.” Batchelor, 23, said his team is hoping to raise more than $1,000 for the cause and also awareness for people committing the act of abuse.

“E.D. Smith is going to match up to $2,000 of whatever we raise, which is amazing,” he said. “We’re also doing this for those who are committers of the act. We want to make them really stop and think about what they’re doing.”

YWCA Hamilton’s Walk A Mile In Her Shoes is in its second year.

Last year, more than 60 men put on high heels and raised more than $30,000 for YWCA Hamilton’s Transitional Living Program.

“Our mission is to create a fun, unique and powerful public experience that educates individuals and communities about poverty and violence and empowers them,” said development coordinator Uzma Qureshi, adding the goal is to raise $50,000 this year.

“This event is special because concerned men, women and families step into high heels and step up for women, helping them walk away from poverty and violence one step at a time.” Qureshi said public awareness and education of serious issues is what facilitates change.

“Some years back, drinking and driving was socially acceptable. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) took on this challenge and through education and awareness initiatives made that change and now drinking and driving is, rightfully, socially unacceptable,” she said.

“YWCA Hamilton takes on the same challenges.Christian Louboutin Platforms Our work is about eradicating poverty and violence. Through education and awareness issues we, as a community, will make these issues socially unacceptable.”

YWCA Hamilton’s Walk A Mile In Her Shoes will take place Sunday, June 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Liuna Station, 360 James St. N.

For more information on the event, including how to become a participant, sponsor a walker or donate to the cause,