Meet Caleb Daniels, Dedicated Gillian's Place Supporter!
We asked Caleb what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"The 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes represents how far our community has come. The very first Walk a Mile in Niagara happened just three years after my family’s incident, at a time when intimate partner violence was rarely talked about openly. Since then, Walk a Mile has become a cornerstone of awareness and education. I joined nine years into the campaign, and the event has helped my family openly face what happened to us, both publicly and privately, after more than 20 years of silence. While it’s heartbreaking that Walk a Mile is still necessary, it plays a critical role in breaking stigma, raising awareness, and generating the essential funds Gillian’s Place needs to continue its life‑saving work in our community."
Chadi Khairallah, Executive Chef, Niagara Casinos
Meet Chris Ventura, Project Coordinator, Workforce Collective
We asked Chris what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"I am thrilled that the team at Gillian's Place can produce such an incredible event year after year, raising significant funds, and bringing together community from all corners of Niagara to make a difference. For 20 years, to have the recognition and impact of the work be shared broadly across the community, and provide an opportunity for action is really inspiring. I hope in another 20 years Gillian’s Place doesn’t have the need to run this event anymore because the scourge of domestic violence and femicide have been solved. "
Meet Craig Youdale, Dean of Culinary Tourism and Beverage, Niagara College
We asked Craig what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"Just an important milestone of the work that is ongoing and needs to continue. Not a celebration but a recognition of the people from Gillian's place and the important work they do for the Niagara Community."
Meet Dan Stefels, Broker of Record, Royal LePage NRC, Compass Estates
We asked Dan what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"It's been an honour to be asked to participate as an ambassador again. things are tough everywhere for so many people, and it's easy to take our 'eye' off the target. The continued focus of the team to make sure the mission of GP is front and centre is amazing. I would LOVE to have our biggest fundraising every year, both for our team and the entire event."
Meet Darryl Dyball, Community Development & Education Coordinator, Positive Living Niagara
We asked Darryl what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"As someone who has supported Gillian's Place for nearly 10 years, this WAM milestone is especially meaningful. It reflects the organization's continued commitment to evolving, meeting the needs of the community, and creating lasting impact. I am proud to be part of an event that not only raises essential funds but also encourages important conversations, inspires action, and demonstrates that ending gender-based violence is a responsibility we all share."
Meet Dylan Lawrence, Youth Ambassador & Dedicated Gillian's Place Supporter!
We asked Dylan what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"It means that Gillian's Place has been helping people for a long time and there is still more work to be done and people who need support."
Meet Jackson Tibbs, Youth Ambassador & Dedicated Gillian's Place Supporter!
Meet James Cushinan, Senior Director of Food & Beverage, Niagara Casinos
We asked James what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"Celebrating the 20th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is about more than recognizing a milestone. It is about acknowledging the profound impact Gillian's Place has had on our community over the past 20 years. While we can measure participation, fundraising, and programs delivered, we cannot truly measure the hope, safety, and support provided to countless individuals and families. That impact will continue to be felt for generations. It is remarkable what the team at Gillian's Place achieves each day, and it is inspiring to see how much can be accomplished when a community comes together in support of their mission."
Meet Josh Graham, President & CEO, Silversmith Brewing Company
We asked Josh what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"The 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes is a reminder of how much impact this event has had over two decades. At Silversmith, our team has stepped up and hit our fundraising goals two years in a row, and I’d love to see us do it again. This year feels like both a celebration and a recommitment, honouring the legacy of the walk and pushing ourselves to support Gillian’s Place in an even bigger way."
Meet Marty Mako, Commander, Mobile Integrated Health, Niagara Emergency Medical Services
We asked Marty what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"The 20th anniversary is an incredible milestone, but also a reminder that I wish we didn’t still need this event. Unfortunately, gender-based violence remains a reality in our community, so the need to raise awareness, support survivors and speak out continues. I’ve seen how Walk a Mile brings our community together and until that need no longer exists, I’ll keep walking and doing my part."
Meet Mat Siscoe, Mayor, St. Catharines
Meet Mike Balsom, NOTL Local, Village Media Property, Niagara College School of Media
We asked Mike what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"Intimate partner violence is such a problem that even all the attention and efforts made by organizations such as Gillian's Place have not eradicated it."
Meet Michael Kirkopoulos, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Lincoln
Meet Neil Thornton, President and CEO, The Thornton Group
We asked Neil what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"Importance of recognition of the organization in the community and ongoing support."
Meet Noah Machek, Dedicated Gillian's Place Supporter!
We asked Noah what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"Thinking about the 20th anniversary its inspiring to see over the years more and more people come together to support walk a mile in her shoes. Sad that the need is still there but hopefully as we continue to come together and take a stand and support survivors there can be an end to gender based violence"
Meet Philip John, Manager of Dairy/Frozen, Freshco Ontario Street
We asked Philip what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"Another year another walk. Another year that Gillian's Place needs to be open."
Meet Ryan Campbell, VP of Commercial Services, PenFinancial Credit Union
We asked Ryan what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"It means generations of women and girls have had somewhere to turn, and a community that’s consistently shown up for them."
Meet Troy Gillespie, Dedicated Gillian's Place Supporter!
We asked Troy what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"I'm proud to say that I've this will be my 12th year walking in WAMIHS...but also saddened that, as a society, we still need the services provided by Gillian's Place. I'd like to believe that each passing generation provides us with a new society that doesn't tolerate domestic violence. It's a journey...and we'll only get there through awareness and better laws that protect victims. It's an honor to be a part of this journey."
Meet Tim Denis, Retired Broadcaster
We asked Tim what the 20th anniversary of Walk a Mile in HER Shoes means to him...
"Though the need grows every year, so does the support and we need to teach all this to the next generation."
