Participants in "Walk a Day in Her Shoes"
By Lucianna Ciccocioppo
They started off 'pumped' but by the end of the day, many male law professors and students were in considerable pain (unsurprisingly) after wearing high heels on International Women's Day, March 8, 2012.
And it was for two very good causes: they were raising funds and awareness for the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, which provides support and legal services for abused women, and the White Ribbon Campaign to end gender-based violence.
The unique student initiative, which had female students offering tips and advice on how to last in heels all day, has pulled in more than $6,000 to date, surpassing the fundraising goal of $5,000 - and organizers say donations are still coming in. (View the Facebook page or the main donor page.)
"What was most surprising was how enthusiastic the participants were not only with wearing a pair of heels, but also with trying to hit their personal fundraising goals, some of which were incredibly high," says student co-organizer Ben Iscoe, who sported red stilettos quite comfortably (he's done the "Walk" before)--at first. Iscoe congratulated Peter Flynn, who raised more than $900, and Ben Miller, whose donations totaled $600.
"Ben and I initially did not know how many participants we would have," says co-organizer Michelle Jennett. "We thought it would most likely be Ben walking around in heels to win a bet we had. We both hope this becomes a yearly event at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law."
Prof. Ben Alarie, who managed to land a pair of size 15 wide pink pumps, purchased online, says "Walk a Day in Her Shoes" was a fun way to celebrate International Women's Day, while supporting important and deserving charities. And as for his feet: "The sensation returned to my toes a day later and I have new appreciation and respect for pumps."
Professors Alarie, Chapman, Iacobucci, Green and Phillips show off their shoes
Other professors who participated were: Bruce Chapman, Markus Dubber, Andrew Green, Ed Iacobucci, and Jim Phillips, as did staff Jeff Huh and John Bolan.
Staff from the two organizations were on hand for the fun photo op, and Nick Rodriguez presented the student organizers with T-shirts from the White Ribbon Campaign. He encouraged the law students, faculty and staff, to participate in his charity's "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event in the fall "now that you've all had a chance to practice!"
Organizers Ben Iscoe and Michelle Jennett with their White Ribbon Campaign t-shirts
In the end, a day of "throbbing foot pain" went a long way, says Iscoe. "I hope our event gave both of these charities an appropriate platform to draw attention to their mission of ending violence against women," he says. "And I think all participants have a new appreciation about how painful it is actually to walk a day in high heel shoes. How do people do this day in/day out?"
Adds Jennett: "I am happy to say that I now believe all the participants will be a lot more sympathetic when women make remarks about their heels."
For a look at the fashionable range of shoes worn, all in the name of charity, view the photo gallery here.
Photos: Lucianna Ciccocioppo
