White Ribbon in Palmerston North

April 15, 2015 by robmccann

Contracted by the Manawatu Abuse Intervention Network (MAIN), Blacksheepdesign’s George Street Dash on 22 November 2014 was the region’s twist on the international ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ campaign.

Raising awareness of White Ribbon and getting local men taking the pledge to “promise to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women” saw almost twenty high profile Manawatu men dashing in high heels.

Turboman

Timed to coincide with the launch of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride, community leaders, Turboman, radio DJs, actors, CEOs, Palmerston North mayoral candidates, local MPs joined, Ribbon Riders and other participants were also greeted by early morning risers and media.

The audience heard from Palmerston North MP Iain Lees-Galloway and White Ribbon Rider Aaron Morrison; both reminding us that we all have a part to play in making a difference for the women in our ‘patch’.

Preparing for the event proved challenging for many, heels don’t always come in larger sizes. While the George Street dash itself adding further hurdles including donning extra accessories such as handbags, as well as meeting a wall of police, because after all – you can’t really understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.

Closing George Street for two hours involved obtaining signatures from over fifty retailers and seeking Council permission to close the road. Nearby retailers were encouraged to offer on the day discounts to those who purchased a white ribbon on the day.

Sponsorship support from More FM and the Manawatu Standard assisted in promoting the event through radio campaigns and newspaper advertising. Special thanks also to MidCentral Health who helped fund the radio campaign and Detective Sergeant and Family Violence Co-ordinator, Phil Skoglund for his support and staff on the day. A highlight for Blacksheepdesign’s event coordinator, Chrissie Morrison, was working with Aaron Morrison and the White Ribbon Riders. “These men bring such mana to one of the most rewarding campaigns I have ever worked on.”