For immediate release
October 15, 2013
Calgary, Alberta- Three weeks have passed since the eighth annual YWCA WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES® fundraiser took place at Olympic Plaza. The 275 high-heel-sporting male participants have now raised more than $413,000, which will enable the YWCA to continue to provide counselling, skills, housing and emergency shelter services for women and children fleeing family violence.
One participant, long-time YWCA supporter Michael Broadhurst, was not able to join in the festivities this year. That’s because he was several thousand miles away climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with his pair of pink heels in tow! Despite being very much out of the country on event day, Broadhurst, a member of the Pink Panthers Return team, raised close to $7,000 for the cause.
“I didn’t literally walk the five-day trek in high heels,” said Broadhurst, “but I did sacrifice some room in my pack to bring them along for a photo at the peak in support of the YWCA WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES® and the family violence victims they serve. I’ve supported this event for a number of years and I thought it would be a fun and unique way to raise some funds and awareness.”
Broadhurst returned from his journey this week and he looks forward to sharing his story and photos with the YWCA, supporters, donors and media members alike.
Donations are still being accepted at www.walkamile.ca
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About the YWCA of Calgary:
As the YWCA of Calgary moves into the next 100 years of serving women, we continue to adapt to the changing needs in the city. Serving more than 8,700 clients in 2012, across a continuum of programs and services including housing and shelter, counselling and education, the YWCA is focused on empowering women and their families to move from a place of vulnerability to one of hope and resilience. For more information, visit ywcalgary.ca
For information and interview inquiries please contact:
Carla Link
Manager, Communications, YWCA of Calgary
Phone: 403.705.5779 l Cell: 587.228.8663 l Email: clink@ywcalgary.ca
Press Release: Broadhurst dons heels atop Kilimanjaro in support of YWCA
