Men walking on the street in red high heels want money from you.
Not only are the police aware of the situation, they’re some of the men doing the soliciting. Don’t worry — it’s for a good cause.
Darien men who are first responders — members of the police and fire departments, along with men from Post 53 — are scheduled to walk down the Post Road for a mile or so on Saturday, Oct. 3 to raise funds for domestic violence services.
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See Darienite.com’s previous article on the event.
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The idea behind the march, which begins at 9 a.m., is to show support and raise money for victims of domestic violence.
Real Men Wear High Heels: “U.S. Soldiers with Multinational Battle Group East participate in a mile-long walk wearing womens footwear at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, April 27, 2013. Organizers planned the event to raise awareness about sexual assault and its effects on victims for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.” U.S. government photo posted on Wikimedia Commons
“[P]roceeds from the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 06820 Walk-a-thon will fund awareness, educational and prevention initiatives in Darien,” according to an announcement from Darien police. ” Proceeds will also fund victim services provided by the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.”
Funds are being raised through corporate sponsorships, and individuals are asked to donate $20 to sponsor a first responder. Donations can be cash or check, and checks should be made out to “Darien Domestic Abuse Partnership.” You can mail donations to the Darien Domestic Abuse Partnership 32 Sedgwick Village Lane Darien, CT 06820.
“Hundreds of Darien residents have been victims of domestic violence and many more have gone unreported,” according to an announcement about the event. “Domestic abuse takes a physical and psychological toll on the victim and the family. The Darien Domestic Abuse Partnership is committed to promoting the fundamental right of all individuals to be safe in their personal relationships.”
In the past, the Darien Domestic Abuse Partnership has sponsored butterfly release events for annual fundraising, but for this year it’s turning to the walk (an activity that has been done elsewhere in recent years).
The event is starting this year in Darien just with first responder departments in town, according to Rita Bailey of the Darien Domestic Abuse Partnership (speaking in July at a Board of Selectmen meeting), and if it works well, the group hopes to invite more townsmen to parade in pumps.
Some of the men may be in red sneakers if they have concerns about foot damage, Bailey said.
Correction: Darien police say the original announcement gave an incorrect name that supporters should put on checks. It should be “Darien Domestic Abuse Partnership” (NOT “Walk A Mile in Her Shoes 06820”).