Walk a Mile in Their Shoes Fundraiser Benefits Safenet Services BY TOM FINK
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afenet Services is asking people to put themselves in the shoes of those affected by sexual or domestic violence — literally. Walk a Mile in Their Shoes is a family friendly walk-a-thon with
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the goal of bringing attention to sexual assault and domestic violence in the Claremore community by challenging participants to literally walk 1 mile in a victim’s proverbial shoes. “This is an awareness and a fundraising event held in April – which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month – to, fittingly, raise awareness about sexual assault,” said Allison LaFever, Safenet Services development specialist. “Essentially, we invite family, friends, and community members to come walk with us in honor of the survivors and victims who have been through sexual assault.” In the past, this event partnered with the national fundraiser, Walk
VALUE NEWS ROGERS COUNTY MARCH 2022 WWW.VALUENEWS.COM
a Mile in Her Shoes, but Safenet decided to alter the event title to Walk a Mile in Their Shoes to reflect that the event is more focused on the communities it serves, in this case, Rogers and Mayes Counties. “And to bring more inclusivity, because sexual assault is not limited to only women,” added Jody Reiss, Safenet Services, executive director. This year’s event will be held on two separate dates – one in each county, Salina and Claremore – to allow greater opportunities for participation, LaFever said. “As teal is the color for sexual assault awareness, we’re going to try and launch an initiative (in Claremore) called ‘Turn the Town Teal’,” she said. “I’m currently working with one of the members of the Claremore Chamber on this,
