Torrington bank employees taking a ‘red shoe walk’
TORRINGTON — Residents are invited to cheer on The Torrington Savings Bank Heelers as they ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ at 10 a.m. Thursday, to help raise awareness of issues of domestic violence, abuse, sexual assault, and other forms of violence.
The Heelers will start from the Torrington Savings Bank main office at 129 Main St., up to the banks office at 635 Main St. The walk is a preview to Sunday’s Walk A Mile In Her Shoes fundraiser for the Susan B. Anthony Project in Torrington.
During the walk, men and boys lead the way by literally walking a mile in women’s high heels. All ages and genders are welcome to participate, and the high-heeled shoes are optional, Susan B. Anthony Project members said.
“The goal is not only to get people walking, but get them talking,” said Ashley Cerruto, Business Development Associate at the Susan B. Anthony Project. “There’s no denying the galvanizing effect of seeing dozens or even hundreds of people strut to the finish line in these bright-red, four-inch heels, all in support of victims and survivors of violence. But the conversations that come out of this event — before, during, and after — are really what spark the change we’re aiming for. Awareness of the issues of domestic and sexual abuse is the first step to ending this endemic of interpersonal violence, and the Walk allows for a little bit of levity that can open doors to deeper discussions and the opportunity to heal, and create change.”
Registration is open online at sbaproject.org/walkamile. While participants are encouraged to join the live event on May 22, options are still available for those who want to participate virtually.
Two registration levels are offered, both of which include use of the iconic red high heels, which walkers can wear to walk an actual mile, or simply pose in a photo to raise awareness. Groups can choose to have their own team walks at a day and place of their choosing, with assistance and support from Susan B. Anthony Project staff.