Healers in Heels
Did you know:
“Approximately every six days, a woman is killed in Canada by her intimate partner.”
“Over 50% of Canadian Women have experienced abuse or sexual violence”
“In any given month over 300 women are being turned away from shelters due to lack of space”
(Statistics Canada)
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably asking yourself how you can get involved to make difference in changing these numbers. We interviewed Rafal Tomczuk, registered nurse in St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s Emergency Department, to find out more.
Q: What is walk a mile, and what got you involved?
Rafal: Walk A Mile In Her Shoes is an event organized by our local YWCA where men and women are asked to step into a pair of red heels, or any red shoes, to raise awareness and funding for women who have been affected by violence or homelessness. I got involved because growing up my father was abusive to our family, and my mother had it particularly hard. Today I want to be a forceful change for the better because we need to break the stigma and get people to speak out. This is critical in making a difference for future generations who experience this violence, so they know it is not normal.
Q: When and Where is the event?
The event is on Tuesday, June 20th, 2017. Registration is between 11:00am-12:00am at Hamilton City Hall. It costs $20, and all proceeds go towards directly supporting women in the Hamilton community.
Q: How can someone outside your unit get involved to support the cause?
Anyone can join our team ‘St. Joseph’s Hospital and Friends’! If you anyone has time constraints and can’t make it out, any donation helps and is very appreciated. We are still trying to reach our goal of $5000!
Q: What is most rewarding about this initiative?
The most rewarding part for me is when I’ve had people approach me and giving thanks for the work we are doing. It ranges from colleagues to complete strangers. It is really an amazing feeling knowing that what this initiative is doing is making a real difference.
To join the conversation, use the hashtag #WAMHamilton.
For more information, click here!