MEDIA ADVISORY:

WOMEN AND MEN TAKE STEPS AGAINST DOMESTIC ABUSE IN CALGARY

WHAT: YWCA Calgary is proud to host the 14th annual YW WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES® on September 15 at Southcentre Mall. This annual fundraising event addresses an ongoing and pervasive issue that impacts far too many families in our community – domestic abuse. Women, men, families and friends will step up and walk together to help create a safe and healthy community for everyone. More information at www.walkamile.ca

WHY: Alberta has the third highest rates of domestic violence in Canada; in Calgary alone, the number of domestic homicides halfway through 2019 were nearly equal to both 2017 and 2018 combined. YW WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES® raises funds to provide services and support to women and their children who are fleeing domestic abuse. The funds raised provide crisis shelter, basic need items such as food and clothing, counselling, and supports to ensure women and their families can find a safe refuge where they can begin to heal from trauma and find the strength and resilience they need to thrive in community.

WHEN: Sunday, September 15, 2019:

11:00 a.m. Participant check-in at Southcentre Mall

11:00 a.m. Media spokespeople available in Centre Court at Southcentre Mall

12:20 p.m. Walk begins

1:00 p.m. Media spokespeople available in Centre Court at Southcentre Mall

WHERE: Media check-in at YW Calgary table in Centre Court at Southcentre Mall.

WHO: Media spokespeople:

Sue Tomney, Chief Executive Officer, YW Calgary

Jan Damery, VP Resource Development, YW Calgary

Rashmi Aimiuwu, Marketing Director at Southcentre Mall

Shane Byciuk, participating in YW WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES® for his 10th year

-30-

About YW Calgary:

YW Calgary is the largest and longest serving women’s organization in Calgary. For over a century, we have focused on enhancing women’s safety and well-being while advocating for equity. Each year, YW Calgary supports more than 5,800 Calgary women and their families. Together with our donors, government and other social agencies, we provide crisis shelter, transitional and supported housing, counselling, parenting supports, childcare, language and employment programs that help move women from crisis to stability.

Women-centred. Brighter-future focused.

ywcalgary.ca

For information and interview inquiries please contact:                    

Delia Popa

Marketing & Communications Specialist, YW Calgary

403.615.9877 | dpopa@ywcalgary.ca