For 17-year-old Autumn Vickery, change begins with red heels.
The Grade 12 student from Howe Sound Secondary School is organizing a Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event in spring 2025, where men will don red high heels and walk a mile to raise awareness about domestic violence women face—and the funds will go straight to PearlSpace, Squamish’s local women’s shelter.
“For the walk, males will walk a mile in red high heels,” Vickery said. “The goal is to raise awareness around domestic abuse and sexual abuse while encouraging dialogue on these issues.”
Instead of seeking sponsors, participants and spectators can contribute directly through a GoFundMe page or cash donations at the event. To add some friendly competition, prizes will be awarded to the organization and individual who raises the most funds.
According to a report by Statistics Canada, 2023, there were 123,319 victims of police-reported intimate partner violence in Canada, and nearly 80% of them were women and girls. This means that for every 100,000 people, 549 women were victims—almost four times the rate for men.
Vickery says her passion for social justice began early.
“I think I was about seven. My mom and I were watching a women’s march on the news,” she recalled.
“I remember asking her, ‘What is this? Why are they doing it?’ She explained it to me, and I couldn’t believe it.”
“I kept asking, ‘Why? Why do they have to fight for something they should already have?’ It didn’t make sense to me, even as a kid.”
“This event feels like a way to help make a difference, even if it’s small.”
Supporting PearlSpace
The initiative has the full support of Shana Murray, community program director at PearlSpace.
“We’re so grateful for Autumn’s efforts,” Murray said. “She’s continuing a campaign that’s part of our history, and it’s amazing to see the next generation taking the lead.”
While Pearl’s Place has run Walk a Mile events in the past, they’ve since retired the fundraiser.
But Vickery’s enthusiasm is reigniting the tradition.
“The fact that she’s stepping in shows real dedication,” Murray said.
Why youth involvement matters
Murray highlighted how crucial it is to have youth leading the charge in raising awareness about violence against women.
“Young people are the next wave of adults. When they get involved, it strengthens our communities and sends a clear message: we won’t tolerate violence against women,” she said.
“It’s powerful to see youth standing up and saying, ‘This isn’t okay.’”
Vickery hopes the event will do more than raise money.
“People who experience violence often feel alone,” she said. “By building a community, we can show them they’re not alone and that there are places they can turn to for help.”
How the community can get involved
With a $3,000 fundraising goal, Vickery has already launched a GoFundMe page and is reaching out for support.
“We’ve got most things ready—volunteers, the walk route—now we just need red high heels,” she said with a laugh.
“I’m working on that part!”
For Murray, the community’s role is clear. “Events like these remind us that everyone can play a part in fighting violence. When we come together, it makes a real difference,” she said.
The event is set for spring 2025, timed to take advantage of Squamish’s milder weather.
“We didn’t want to be trudging through the rain in heels,” Vickery joked.
For those who want to help, donations can be made through the Walk a Mile GoFundMe page.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
