Supt. Bill Moore of Halifax Regional Police claims the only time you’ll catch him strapping on stilettos is once a year, for a fundraiser in support of the YWCA’s Turning Point programs.
Unless, of course, it’s “around the house vacuuming,” he said with a chuckle yesterday, shortly after strolling through Scotia Square in Halifax wearing “a lovely pair of size 15 white high heels.”
Moore was one of about 10 police officers, and several other men, who proved to be fearless – and fierce – as they strutted their stuff in front of shoppers and diners who offered raised eyebrows and smiles in return.
“My calves are a little tight, but my feet are okay,” he said of his attempt at understanding a woman’s suffering for fashion.
Moore said the pain is, well, more than worth it to take part in the second annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, with cash collected going toward critical services for women and children who are at turning points in their lives.
“Unfortunately, police become involved a lot in domestic situations,” he said. “So this is a great cause.”
NDP MLA Leonard Preyra is a bit of a pro when it comes to putting on pumps, as he participated in the municipality’s inaugural event last year. This time around he sported “hot pink, very pointy shoes.”
“It really does make you think not just about the whole symbolism of walking in women’s shoes, but the physical discomfort that goes with wearing them,” he said.
YWCA Halifax executive director Tanis Crosby said the men who stepped into women’s shoes yesterday are “standing up” for services that have a real impact on their communities. “They are not just talking about it, they’re walking the walk.”
The amount raised had yet to be tallied yesterday, but Tanis said last year’s event grossed $28,000 for Turning Point programs.
