Dozens brave the cold to take part in 4th annual Walk In Her Shoes Challenge

Around 50 eager walkers braved the crisp morning air to show their support for women and girls in developing countries at CARE Canada’s fourth annual Walk In Her Shoes Challenge.

The 6.5-kilometre walk is equivalent to the daily 10,000 steps females in developing areas of Africa must travel to collect everyday essentials such as food, water and firewood.

Following registration, participants had the opportunity to learn more about CARE Canada’s work, including the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies project which their efforts will go on to support.

The project focuses on addressing the root causes of malnutrition in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

Despite the March snow, the walk welcomed a cozy crowd of eager supporters, many of whom are returning walkers, something co-organizer Wendy Wright loves to see.

“My favourite part is seeing the returning faces that come out to support these women and girls— we’ve done it for four years now and I think it is just great,” said Wright.

In addition to the walk and free swag, the event was also a wealth of information with educational pamphlets and interactive activities such as the Kanga Wrap challenge.

The challenge had attendees trek around the park while carrying a stuffed animal wrapped tightly around their bodies, all the while balancing a basket of rice on their head as a way of showing the significance of the everyday tasks the women they are supporting tackle.

Volunteer organizer Carolina Nogueira recently moved from Brazil to the Okanagan and was eager to become a part of the event’s organizational team.

“I think this is a great way to help women and girls achieve equal opportunities. I am really happy to be here,” said Nogueira.

“The effort we put in is from the heart, and that is just as valuable as the funds we raise. I hope I can help every year.”

After an energetic warm up with The Women’s Place fitness troupe, the group was on its way to walk in solidarity with counterparts on the other side of the world.