Donning heels for a good cause 0
By Kent Walton, Collingwood Enterprise-Bulletin
Peter Hodgson (right) is taking My Friend’s House’s Oct. 6 fundraising event, Walk a Mile In Her Shoes, a, uh, step higher; if he raises $5,000, he’s offered to get his legs waxed. And it may happen, as he’s only about $400 away from that goal. With Hodgson are The Peak’s Matt McLean — who’ll also be getting his legs waxed — and event chair Deidre Morris. For more info, and to sponsor a walker, go to http://www.inherheels.ca/ My Friends House executive director Alison FitzGerald noted she’s been “floored by the reaction,” with more than 30 men signed up. “This is the first time we’ve had an event where we’ve engaged men in the cause,” she said. E-B columnist Kent Walton will also be trading in his loafers for heels on the day of the event . Morgan Ian Adams/Collingwood Enterprise-Bulletin
How many remember a movie, The Red Shoes? It’s the story of a young ballet dancer who is torn between the man she loves and her pursuit to become a prima ballerina.
It’s an old movie from the 1940s but today we have a new Red Shoes drama developing here in Collingwood.
Reluctantly, I am part of that drama.
My Friend’s House, a shelter for abused women and children, is having a fundraiser on October 6 where you will find MEN, yes Men, in high-heeled red shoes walking the streets of Collingwood as part of an effort to raise money to support the shelter and the women and children it protects.
Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about me attempting to become a ballerina as in the original Red Shoes.
No, my choices and my dilemma are quite different. I must choose the best-fitting shoes to complete a mile long walk.
I have to choose between the woman I love and not wearing heels! So wear them I must!
It began with the concept from the My Friends House fundraising committee. I have nothing to do with that but somehow my wife — who is a volunteer director — thought perhaps I could help promote the event by handing out flyers at the Saturday Farmers Market.
Matt MacLean from the PEAK radio station said he would help and so it was agreed that we would be around to promote the walk.
Now Matt is over 12 feet tall, or close to it, and arrived to help out. Matt decided to try on a pair of the red high heels that were sized for men taking such a walk.
He had done this at a golf fundraiser for My Friends House as a bit of a lark.
Now this guy is good in heels! So the pressure was on me to at least try on the shoes for the Farmers Market.
Grudgingly, I attempted to wear and walk in my red shoes. Matt was so good, and then there was me.
Over the weeks I have attempted to get comfortable in those red shoes, but it’s so sad!
Worst of all, beyond all the laughter of me trying to walk in those shoes, I have received pledges of support to actually do the walk.
I have gone from handing out brochures to having to do the walk.
So on Oct. 6, if you are in downtown Collingwood, don’t be surprised by this courageous group of men who will be walking on behalf of My Friends House.
There will be uniformed firemen, police and paramedics — along with media personalities and some very brave supportive everyday guys who believe in the cause.
However, don’t you be giving those men a hard time about their foot apparel! Red Shoes will reign supreme that morning and nothing will deter these men from their duty.
Once the walk is over and the men regain circulation in their feet, beware those who have mocked the walkers. The walkers won’t be in any mood to suffer the slings and arrows of those who have poked fun!
“These shoes ain’t made for walking!”
Those who pledge a financial support are free to ridicule!
Pledges can be made for the walker of your choice at www.inherheels.ca. If you can’t pledge on line, I will be sure to have deep pockets to collect your donations because I’m not carrying a purse!
Awaiting pledges on behalf of My Friends House, Kent Walton can be reached at ebreflections@rogers.com.
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