More than 200 Walk A Mile In Her Shoes through downtown Calgary

Some interesting and somewhat uncomfortablefashion choices were on display downtown Tuesday namely high heels being paired with hard hats and overalls.

Now in its 11th year, the annual Walk a Mile In Her Shoes in support of the YWCA of Calgary saw more than 200 men slip on a pair of high heels for the stroll from Bankers Hall to Olympic Plaza in support of women and children experiencing domestic abuse.

This year's event raised $195,000, well above the goal of $175,000.

"We use this money to support our programs for women and children who are leaving abuse," said Elsbeth Mehrer, vice-president of engagement and people at the YWCA of Calgary.

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"It helps to provide the shelter services, the counselling programs and the supports that really make that possible, for people to think about their brighter futures."

Too often police officers are only involved after a domestic situation has escalated out of control, said Sgt. Kevin Collier.

"We only get to see people on the other side of this type of incident," he said.

"So this is our chance to support the victims and those who are walking away from family violence. It's critical to bring more awareness to the issue."

For Wally Howe, this issue of family violence hits close to home.

"I have a sister who was in an abusive relationship," he said.

"And I had a youth group member I was working with in an abusive situation I helped him get out of. Anything that brings awareness to the plight of women in abusive relationships and families in abusive relationships, it's going to be a huge help."