TORONTO–Unifor National President Jerry Dias will surpass $1 million in total donations raised for the Halton Women’s Place, at the union’s ‘Hope in High Heels’ fundraiser event Saturday, September 25, 2021.

“Jerry is passionate about advocating for change and raising awareness about gender-based violence. We are fortunate to have a dedicated friend and supporter like Jerry who each year leads the team from Unifor to make this bold statement of walking in solidarity so that women and children know they are not alone,” said Laurie Hepburn, Executive Director of Halton Women’s Place.

Dias and his son Jordan have led Team Unifor in ‘Hope in High Heels’ walks since 2011, raising more than a million dollars over the past decade.

“Each year, I raised my fundraising goal to help Halton Women’s Place continue to provide services to women and children escaping violence as government funding was cut, and every year we met the new target thanks to the generosity of union members and corporate sponsors,” said Dias.

Dias organized scaled-down walks for the Unifor team when the 2020 and 2021 ‘Hope In High Heels’ main fundraising walks were forced to cancel due to COVID-19.

“The pandemic made reaching the million-dollar milestone more challenging but at the same time we knew the need for these vital services was increased as women were forced to isolate with their abusers,” Dias said.

Dias is a board member of Halton Women’s Place, the only shelter in Halton Region that supports women and children experiencing abuse and violence through residential and outreach services.

On Saturday, Dias and Team Unifor will walk in pink high heel shoes outside Toronto City Hall to raise both funds and awareness and to call on all levels of government to increase funding to help eradicate domestic violence.

“Without a doubt Jerry, Jordan and Unifor have significantly contributed to not only this event over the years, but to Halton Women’s Place and its mission to be a safe haven for women and children experiencing abuse and violence,” added Hepburn.

WHAT:          Unifor ‘Hope in High Heels’ walk for Halton Women’s Place with  cheque presentation to mark $1 million donation milestone

WHEN:          Saturday, September 25, 2021 12:00 p.m.

WHO:            Unifor National President Jerry Dias and Team Unifor Halton Women’s Place Executive Director Laurie Hepburn

WHERE:          Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto

Visit the Hope in High Heels from Home website for more information.

Support Jerry Dias in the 2021 Hope in High Heels walk here.