One hundred and twenty pairs of women’s and children’s shoes will be on display again as a solemn reminder of the toll domestic and other forms of violence continue to take in Canada.
“Each pair of shoes has a memorial for someone who has died as a result of violence,” said Christine Schreiber, victim services coordinator for Powell River Police-Based Victim Services.
Powell River is one of many communities across the country which mark December 6 as National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, said Schreiber. That day was set aside 23 years ago by the federal government and is the anniversary of the murders of 14 women at Montreal’s L’École Polytechnique in 1989.
The display is presented by Community Services Association, Powell River and Region Transition House Society and Powell River RCMP.
Schreiber is again working with Angie Davey from Powell River RCMP to create the display.
Accompanying each pair of shoes is a memorial card with the stories of BC women and children who died as a result of violence, though not limited to spousal or domestic, Schreiber added.
The shoes have been donated from the community for the display and will be distributed to different transition houses throughout the region where they go to women and children in need who are currently fleeing violence, she said.
She and Davey tried to choose women from the list who were as local as possible, but not specific to Powell River.
The purpose of the display is not only to raise awareness of the ongoing issue of violence against women, but also to promote the various community services available for victims.
“Powell River actually has some pretty substantial services for the size of our community,” said Schreiber.
Professionals who work in all these programs will be present at the memorial and available to talk about services and provide referrals if necessary.
The shoe display will be available during open hours Saturday, December 6, at Powell River Town Centre Mall, located mid-way through the mall, near the entrance to Walmart.
