For the second year in a row, the men of Lincoln County will have a chance to strut their stuff in red, 5-inch high heels during the Aspenfest parade on October 4th at 10am.
“Last year there were seven or eight men who participated. This year, there will be 25 brave souls”, HEAL board member and Treasurer Rick Hutchison said.
Each year, men from throughout the community participate in the “Heels for HEAL” event to take a stand against domestic violence.
Last year, men walked the Aspenfest parade and handed out cards with information about HEAL and The Nest. “The response was overwhelmingly positive,” Hutchison said. “For too long as a nation we have been silent and have not acknowledged that abuse takes place and needs to be stopped, “he said. “We cannot allow men to think that domestic abuse and violence is acceptable in any form whatsoever!”
The walk is a way to provide encouragement to domestic violence victims, said past board member and high-heel-walker Brendan Gochenour. A Walk in Her Shoes is a creative, expressive way to show the people of Lincoln County there are good men who care. “There is always laughter, blisters and falling,” he chuckled.
“The community needs to see men who are strong enough to step outside of their comfo
rt zones and take a strong stand against domestic abuse and violence,” Hutchison said.
Though domestic violence is prevalent everywhere, many people are unaware it lurks in their community. “People need to know that domestic violence happens in this town,” Gochenour said. “It should never be a thought of as a dirty, little secret.”
“I believe it is always good for the community to see men in heels,” Gochenour said. “Not only is it good entertainment, but it shows that we are willing to make a stand for the women and children of domestic violence.”
Domestic violence victims need to know they have support within their community. “The victim should never be ashamed to come forward,” Gochenour said. “They need to know that The Nest is always there to provide a safe place for them.”
The walk is a great message of hope to all communities.