Hanover YWCA plans Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser

When shopping for shoes, it is rare you will see a man in the high heel department.

That's about to change.

Men are going to need a pair of high heels to participate in Walk a Mile in Her Shoes on Aug. 14, during which men will walk one mile in heels to show support for victims of domestic violence in the Hanover community.

The event will take place at the Warehime-Myers Mansion on Baltimore Street and is run by the Hanover Domestic Violence Task Force. The Task Force's goal is to educate the community about domestic violence issues and promote awareness, Michele Witman, co-chair of the Hanover Domestic Violence Task Force, said.

"The event is a fun way to make men understand what it's like to be in woman's shoes," Witman said.

Employees at Clarks Bostonian Outlet, located on Broadway in Hanover, witnessed men coming into their store to look for heels for the event in previous years.

"The men will kind of mosey around and giggle," sales clerk Jo Wildasin said. "They've been good though; nobody's tripped when trying the heels on."

Clarks has up to a woman's size 12, which is comparable to a man's size 10. Most of the time the men won't ask for assistance, but employees know the event is going on and try to cease their embarrassment, Wildasin said.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes benefits Hanover's YWCA Safe Home and York's YWCA Still Waters. The YWCA Safe Home and YWCA Still Waters give victims of domestic abuse a nonviolent, learning atmosphere to help them get back on their feet, Whitman said.

The fundraising goal for this year's event is $30,000.

"We don't make reachable goals; we make high goals," Whitman said.

Entertainment, food and games will take place after the walk at the Warehime-Myers Mansion.

If you go

What: Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

When: Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. Registration at 5 p.m.

Where: Warehime-Myers Mansion 305 Baltimore St. Hanover

Cost: $25. Participants who raise an additional $25 will receive one ticket to take part in the post-walk activities. Additional tickets are $10.