Cardiff Council in partnership with Vale of Glamorgan Council and Cadwyn Housing Association is appealing for donations of ladies shoes, sized ten and above.
This unusual request comes in preparation for the ‘Walk a Mile in Her shoes', an annual event which see's men of all ages and backgrounds come together and walk a mile wearing women's shoes in support of White Ribbon, the charity which campaigns to enddomestic abuse and sexual violence against women.
Now in its fifth year, the event has grown from just 14 men walking to last year's event attracting record numbers of almost 140. The event will take place onFriday 28thSeptember starting at Cardiff Castle.
In order to accommodate everyone who wishes to participate in this significant march,organisers are appealing forwomen's footwear for men to wear on the day, so if you have anyshoes in sizes ten or above that you no longer want, or if you are a retailer with generous women's footwear in stock that you could donate please come forward.
Drop off points will be situated in the foyers at the following buildings:
- Any of the 12 Cardiff Council Hubs, see here for full addresses:,https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/hubs-and-housing-offices/Pages/default.aspx
- Cardiff Council -Willcox House, Dunleavy Drive, CF11 0BA
- Cardiff Council - County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, CF10 4UW
- Cadwyn Head office, 197 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 1AJ
Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Elsmore said: "Cardiff has recently been awarded the regional White Ribbon Award for its commitment to end violence against women andWalk a Mile in Her Shoesis one of our key events to promote our city's commitment to the White Ribbon Campaign.
"Although there is an element of fun surrounding the event, the message is very clear and the walk itself demonstrates a public and visible commitment that those taking part will not condone violence against women in any form.
"This year we would like to get as many men as possible involved, all ages and from all walks of life. If anyone does have any women's footwear of any sort in size ten and above - not just high heels - please kindly donate them."
Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport and Cardiff Council's Domestic Abuse Champion, Cllr Caro Wild added: "This event has grown each year, demonstrating that Cardiff is a city that encourages a zero tolerance approach to domestic violence against women. I walked last year and it was fantastic to see so many males join together to wear the White Ribbonandpledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
"I am hopeful that this year we will see even more men join in and support this integral campaign."
Chris O'Meara, Chief Executive of Cadwyn Housing Association said: "Tackling domestic abuse has always been a priority at Cadwyn and in 2014 we became the first housing association in Wales to put all our staff through domestic abuse training. It was also the year that we held the first Walk a Mile in Her Shoes with 14 men from Cadwyn donning a pair of women's shoes and walking a mile down Newport Road to raise awareness of the White Ribbon Campaign. The event has grown each year and I'm so proud of the support it has received from the people and organisations of Cardiff and the Vale. We're now looking for more donations of women's shoes in a size 10 and above so that we can continue to raise awareness of such an important issue."
Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Leisure, Cllr Gordon Kemp said: "‘The Vale Council is proud to be a partner for the annual ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes' event in Cardiff.
"The White Ribbon Campaign is a worthwhile cause, which calls on all men to take a stand against sexism and gender-based violence in all forms. I hope as many people as possible can sign up to be a White Ribbon Ambassador or take part in the mile walk this year."
If you are unable to get to one of our drop-off points but would like to help please contact Chris Nunn on029 20434452or Nicola Jones on 029 2053 7009.
To be a part of theWalk a Mile in Her Shoesevent please registerwww.walkinhershoes.wales
Join the conversation#whiteribboncardiffvale