Hamilton YWCA announces new support hub at 16th annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event

The Hamilton YWCA held their 16th annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes fundraiser Wednesday at City Hall to stop gender-based violence.

Hundreds of people took to the streets wearing red high heels, to raise awareness.

Advocacy groups, Hamilton police, several Hamilton city councillors and Hamilton Mountain MPP Monica Ciriello participated in the walk.

The walk aims to raise $150,000 to fund YWCA programs.

“It’s a huge event – it’s one of our big fundraisers for the year,” said Medora Uppal, the CEO of the Hamilton YWCA. “Our goal is $150,000, we’re just not there yet, but we’re hoping today – by the end of today – we can get to our $150,000.”

“Today, we walk with a shared commitment to build a future where everyone, regardless of gender, can live free from fear and violence,” said Ciriello.

“Women, children, and gender-diverse people in our community are harmed every single day by violence – that is absolutely preventable,” said Hamilton Ward 3 City Councillor Nrinder Nann.

“To everyone here today, your presence matters. Your donations matters – every conversation you have, every dollar you raise, and every time you say ‘we believe survivors’ you’re pushing against the silent, the stigma, and the fear,” she said.

The non-profit organization also announced a $2 million investment from the Ontario government to fund a new gender-based violence support services hub in Hamilton.

The hub will act as a safe space for women, children, and gender-diverse people, hosted at a location separate from the Hamilton YWCA location.

Uppal said the hub is ready to open “imminently” as soon as the new site is ready.

“Without this money, we actually can’t continue to do the work – while the government has given us this really big investment and support – there’s a lot of work and a lot of need in this community that we’re meeting without funding, and so $150,000 is just critical to keep services going,” said Uppal.

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