Red Deer's Walk A Mile event raises awareness on gender-based violence
Participants, largely men in red high heels, walked downtown Red Deer on Friday to support The Outreach Centre and highlight the ongoing issue of gender-based violence.
Why it matters
The event highlights ongoing support needs for intimate partner violence services in Red Deer amid funding pressures on local non-profits.
Red Deer's annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes event returned downtown on Friday, drawing participants who walked a mile through public streets, many wearing red high heels, to raise funds for The Outreach Centre and spotlight gender-based violence.
A provincial report, the Government of Alberta's 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence published in May 2025, found 385 cases of intimate partner violence per 100,000 Albertans in 2023, amounting to roughly 18,800 cases annually across the province and placing Alberta slightly above the national average.
Laura Cowell, executive director of The Outreach Centre, said the agency continues to see heavy demand from phone calls and walk-ins, and stressed that funding uncertainty for non-profits makes this year's fundraising especially important. The centre runs a dedicated intimate partner violence program offering case management, risk assessment, safety planning and housing resources, accessible by calling 403-347-2480.
Cowell said the event aims to keep the conversation going beyond the walk itself, noting that gender-based and family violence affect everyone, not just women. Scotia Wealth Management's The Zukiwsky Group served as lead sponsor, with branch manager Dion Zukiwsky saying the walk is meant to build community awareness and support for the centre's work. Fundraising totals from the event were not available at the time.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.