McNutt Against the Music (EP)

Hate violence against women? Like gender role-twisting footwear? Want a personal shout-out delivered while I’m wearing high heels?

For the past two years, myself and a group of coworkers from Dalhousie have taken part in a YWCA fundraiser called “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.” The premise: men getting their march on in hot pink high heels, raising eyebrows, funds and awareness of the YWCA’s work to end violence against women. 

So yeah: amazing, important cause.

The “Dal Dudes” are doing the walk again this year, but I’m sensitive to the fact that going out and asking for donations for the same fundraiser, year after year, can sometimes be a bit annoying, even when the cause is clearly kickass. So I’ve been thinking about what I can offer as a thanks/reward for those that generously donate to support my strut. 

My idea comes from the fact that I managed to livetweet my walk last year and, turns out, I was awesome at it. So why not take that idea further?

Between now and June 27 (the day of the event), everyone who makes a donation to the YWCA Walk a Mile event through me is entitled to one social media shout-out — sent live, during the walk, heels on.

Given the work the YWCA puts into its anti-violence initiatives, and the hardships women face when subjected to misogynist violence (in all forms), the least I can do to recognize those who support the cause is to challenge myself a little, and put in a bit more work to thank each and every one of you who helps.

Donation page: Support Ryan McNutt

Now, I’m sure you have questions. Such as:

“What exactly is a social media shout-out?”

A public Facebook wall post, a Twitter “@” mention, a link in a Tumblr post…I’ll even consider a tagged instagram picture. When you make a donation, drop me a contact via any of these channels (or by email to mcnutt.ryan@gmail.com) and let me know what method you’d prefer.

“When will the shout-outs be sent?”

The Walk a Mile event takes place at noon on Wednesday, June 27. We’ll probably be starting the walk proper sometime shortly after then. And if you’re in Halifax and want to come watch, we’ll be on the main floor of Scotia Square Mall.

“Are you worried you’re going to hurt yourself?”

No, I have shockingly spectacular balance in heels, to the point where observers often suspect that I secretly wear them regularly. I don’t: I’m just that awesome.

“Aren’t you going to just auto-program the shout-outs?”

Take a look at the nearest clock…does it say “amateur hour”? No, no it does not. These will all be legit typed and sent during the walk, heels on.

“What happens if you run out of time and are not able to send all the shout-outs by the time the walk is over?”

I am a bit worried about this, especially given that the walk is not LITERALLY a mile. This fact has always been a pain point for me — go literal or go home, I say — so I’ll be more than happy to keep walking a little further if it means getting to thank everyone who supported me and the YWCA. 

Thanks to everyone who even considers donating - just helping with the awareness of the cause is wonderful. To donate, visit my page and make a pledge.

Cheers,

Ryan