With a week to go and their goal a mile away, officials with a local non-profit have concerns about whether the funding will be enough this year to help women and children fleeing abusive situations.
The Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie is three weeks into its month-long 11th annual Walk a Mile in her Shoes fundraiser.
This year, the event is running virtually with a goal of raising $50,000.
“We have seen a huge loss so far in donations for the event and teams that are registering and pledging funds," Teresa MacLennan, executive director of the Women and Children's Shelter of Barrie, told BarrieToday. “We have some great sponsors, but not to the same degree we usually see.
“We hope more people will make a donation to the event, register a team and show us your strut in your heels,” she added.
MacLennan said Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is the major annual fundraiser for the shelter. The money raised helps provide emergency shelter and outreach services for women and their children who are trying to flee violence. Services also help women who have escaped human trafficking situations.
The shelter provides all daily living needs for clients including food, transportation, hygiene supplies, gift cards and 24 hours of staffing support.
“It is very expensive to provide shelter for up to 35 women and children who come to our services with nothing but the clothes on their back. With COVID-19, we are worried about the success of our walk,” said MacLennan.
There's still time to sign up to support the event.
For more information on how to sign up or give a donation, click here.
