In support of balancing health risks with social risks in light of COVID-19 outbreaks in BC
Vancouver, March 7, 2020—CARE Canada announces its eighth annual Walk In Her Shoes event, scheduled for Sunday, March 8, 2020, will be held virtually, and the public event at Creekside Community Recreational Centre will not occur. This decision has been made in light of the health risks associated with the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) announced today by Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s top medical officer, and Adrian Dix, BC Health Minister.
“We have been carefully monitoring the recent developments and news regarding the spread of COVID-19 to British Columbia. We take our responsibility to mitigate the risks to members of the public and supporters seriously. In light of the public health announcement, made a few hours ago, to consider canceling public gatherings, it was an easy decision for us to put everyone’s health first,” said Danielle Semple, Acting Director Development, CARE Canada.
CARE Canada’s annual Walk In Her Shoes, a landmark event in its eighth year, engages supporters from communities across the Lower Mainland. Over 500 women, men, and children were expected to gather at Creekside Community Recreational Centre to walk 10,000 steps tomorrow in support of helping women and girls around the globe lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
“We are saddened by the recent events brought about by the spread of COVID-19,” said Barbara Grantham, incoming President and CEO, CARE Canada. “I am in full support of the position CARE Canada is taking in canceling the public Walk in Her Shoes gathering, in light of recent developments, and switching to a virtual event.”
In lieu of walking 10,000 steps together tomorrow at Creekside Recreational Community Centre, the Vancouver Council for CARE Canada (VCCC), an 85 person strong volunteer group dedicated to supporting women, girls, families, and entire communities around the globe, invite citizens to support this very worthwhile cause by making a donation at Walk In Her Shoes. And if safe to do so, walk 10,000 steps tomorrow locally, take photos, and post on social media tagging @carecanada and using the hashtags #walkinhershoes, #VancouverWalks, #IWD2020.
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For Interviews
Barbara Grantham, incoming President and CEO, CARE Canada or Danielle Semple, Acting Director Development, CARE Canada are available for media interviews. For media inquiries, please contact:
Audrey PleVolunteer, Communications
Vancouver Council for CARE Canada
604 506 2266 l audrey@magentamarketing.ca Lama Alsafi
CARE Canada
613 228 5641 l media@care.ca
Links to Photos and Videos
School student volunteers tell us why they Walk In Her Shoes
About CARE CanadaFounded in 1945 with the creation of the CARE Package®, CARE develops solutions alongside women and girls in developing countries to lift themselves, their families, and their communities out of poverty and out of crisis. CARE stands with women and girls around the world in economic empowerment. We bring women, girls, and their communities together to challenge inequality while facing issues like food insecurity, climate change, and emergency relief in times of crisis or disaster. CARE works in 100 countries around the world. To learn more about CARE Canada, visit care.ca.
About Vancouver Council for CARE Canada
The Vancouver Council for CARE Canada (VCCC), over 85 strong, is formed by like-minded citizens who come together to raise awareness and funds for CARE’s work—breaking the cycle of poverty. By engaging their respective networks of friends and colleagues, these passionate individuals inspire others in their communities to help CARE empower women and girls. The Vancouver Council for CARE Canada was established in 2011 by Dr Martha Piper and Laura Edwards. It is currently chaired by Kelsey Dunwoodie.