The CAMROSE BOOSTER, July 19, 2022 – Page 13
Walk-a-Mile returns to streets By Lori Larsen
The Camrose Women’s Shelter Society (CWSS) is excited to once again be offering Camrose and area citizens, specifically men, an opportunity to “walka-mile” in high heeled red shoes as part of the international Walk A Mile In Her Shoes event to raise awareness on the longstanding effects of violence on women and children and of gender-based violence. This year the Shelter will be providing a hybrid option for those wishing to participate in this important event.
demand soon, based on current trends.” Grateful for all the community support CWSS has and continues to receive and while this is one of the organization’s largest fundraisers, more importantly organizers encourage participants to come out (or send in videos) and walk side by side with others showing solidarity for victims of women and children and gender-based violence. “We are happy with any amount of recruited walkers and want the walkers to enjoy the experience and
Museum donation of indigenous artifact By Lori Larsen
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Showing their support for the Camrose Women’s Shelter Walk A Mile in Her Shoes event taking place during the Kick’N Country Parade (or virtually) by donning a pair of the symbolic red high heeled shoes, are left to right Trevor Vinet, Camrose Women’s Shelter executive director NoraLee Rear and Kodiaks player Cooper Sharp.
Participants can chose to walk in the Kick’N Country Parade being held on Thursday, July 28 10:30 a.m., or similar to 2020s very successful event, participants can participate virtually by sending in a photo/video of the participant(s) doing their own version of walking/riding/lifting weights or other fun choices, in red shoes, to CWSS that will be shared with the community on Facebook and Instagram. “CWSS wants to build awareness of the increasing need for shelter accommodations and services since the removal of COVID-19 restrictions,” explained CWSS executive director Nora-Lee Rear. “From early 2017 to March 2020, CWSS has been at full capacity as far as services it was able to provide. CWSS could easily be back to meeting this
have fun this year.” All proceeds raised from the Walk A Mile (Camrose) event will benefit the Camrose Women’s Shelter by supporting the continuance of the Shelter and the services and programs offered. For anyone interested in participating in either options for the event contact the Camrose Women’s Shelter at admin@camrosewomenshelter.org or by telephone at 780-679-4975, extension 8. Red shoes will be provided and participants can arrange to have their feet sized at Sole City Shoes. For those participating in the Kick’N Country Parade walk, the CWSS will be hosting a staging area in the parking lot of Aarons Furniture (2-5000 -51 Ave).
If it is true that history repeats itself, then it is for sure the case with former Camrose area resident Ray Williams, who recently paid a visit to the Camrose and District Centennial Museum to see if an artifact he had donated 64 years earlier was still part of the museum collection. Ray’s story was originally featured in a news article 64 years ago, and with the past being repeated, is once again the topic of headlines.
was special, and in fact thought it might be an indigenous artifact. He decided to donate the rock to the Camrose Historical Society. “The museum wasn’t open until 1967 but it eventually found its way into our collection,” said City of Camrose Museum coordinator Jayda Calon. “He was quite excited that we had it and tracked it down for him.” The rock will continue to take up a special place at the museum along with
Submitted Ray Williams hangs onto the rock he donated to the Camrose Historical Society in 1985 which was then passed onto Camrose and District Centennial Museum.
Ray grew up on a farm approximately three and a half miles north east of Camrose and in 1958 found a rock on the family farm while helping his father Martin Mereck. Even at the young age of 10, Ray thought this rock
other precious items that have been donated, researched, catalogued and displayed or secured by museum staff and volunteers. “These donations are vital to our collection as they each hold such unique stories like this one,” com-
mented Calon. “These stories are what hold the museum institution together, as they write the past and path to our present day understanding and discovery.” The museum is a place where the community’s past and the rich history of this area is carefully and thoughtfully preserved for the benefit of visitors today and in the future. The Museum is filled with beautifully displayed artifacts and items that signify important moments in history but also the lives of everyday people from the past. “With these artifacts we can fill in parts of Camrose’s past and become familiar with the local people who once possessed these items,” continued Calon. “With these graciously donated items we can build narratives that make connections to one another and create different histories. In the case of Rays’ rock, this is just another example of coming full circle to create a new piece of history.” The staff and volunteers at the museum welcome donations, but ask that all donations be arranged through staff so items can be carefully examined and determined if the Camrose museum is the right fit. A visit to the museum is well worth the time spent and a great way to spend time with family or friends gazing through the invisible looking glass into the past. The museum is located at 4522-53 Sreet, Camrose and summer hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information on the museum, visit the City of Camrose website at www.camrose.ca/en/ living-here/camrose-anddistrict-museum.aspx or telephone 780-672-3298.
