Police Chief Harry Kubojiri, Mayor Billy Kenoi and Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira prepare to participate in last year’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. (Photo courtesy of the YWCA)

MEDIA RELEASE

The YWCA Hawaii Island is asking for donations of womens’ high heels, sizes 10 and higher, for their upcoming Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event taking place Saturday, Oct. 16 in downtown Hilo.

This event is an International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence.

“Our goal is 300 men walking in high heels and $30,000 in pledges,” event chairwoman Lorraine Mendoza said. “We are honored to have Mayor Billy Kenoi, Police Chief Harry Kubojiri, Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira and Prosecuting Attorney Jay Kimura joins us again this year in leading this one mile march in high heels to protest rape, sexual assault and gender violence on the Big Island. We are in need of heels, sizes 10 and higher, and welcome all colors and styles.”

High heels may be dropped off at either YWCA offices in Hilo located at 145 Ululani Street and 1382 Kilauea Avenue.

All proceeds from the October Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event will directly benefit the YWCA Hawaii Island Sexual Assault Support Services program, the only 24 hour, 7 day a week rape crisis center for Hawaii Island.

For more information and team walk pledge forms, contact Andy Kahili, YWCA Community Relations Events Officer at 961-3877 ext.127 or email akahili@ywcahawaiiisland.org.