This article originally appeared on HaltonHillsToday Sept. 10.
Two prominent local residents are doing their part to help end domestic violence and support Halton Women's Place.
Georgetown resident Aditee Goswami and Halton Hills Councillor Alex Hilson are organizing the first Halton Hills edition of Hope in Every Step. The walk is set for Sunday (Sept. 15).
As a way of introducing the signature event, which has been held in other municipalities throughout Halton, this year’s Halton Hills walk is not a fundraiser, though people are still welcome make a donation through the event’s website. Any money raised will go to Halton Women’s Place to support its programs.
Organizers have been busy inviting people in the community to participate.
“The response has been very positive,” said Goswami.
The local woman began thinking about a Halton Hills Hope in Every Step following a domestic violence workshop at the John Elliott Theatre last year.
“There’s a social stigma and judgment about abuse. A lot of people are suffering silently,” said Goswami, who works in Georgetown as a therapeutic art instructor treating children who have been traumatized by incidents of domestic violence at home.
The Georgetown walk will start at Georgetown Chevrolet Buick GMC at 33 Mountainview Rd. N. and will proceed down Guelph Street to Floor Diva.
Check-in starts at 2 p.m. and the walk kicks off at 3.p.m. Participants are asked to wear purple to show their support.
There will be guest speakers at the event who will be talking about the effect domestic violence has on families.
The event originated in Burlington as Hope in High Heels, with men and women walking together in pink heels to show support for victims of domestic abuse. Burlington’s walk attracts more than 400 participants annually, including local community leaders and sports teams. Milton has hosted a walk annually since 2016, and Oakville has also organized walks.
