Bow Valley men are getting ready to squeeze their feet into giant high heeled shoes - all for a good cause.

The annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes fundraiser organized by the YWCA of Banff gets local men to spend an afternoon experiencing life in a woman's shoes - literally - to raise awareness about domestic violence and to support the work the YWCA does to help break the cycle of family violence.

The event takes place this Friday at noon in Central Park and this year men will be walking down the 100 and 200 block of Banff Ave.

There will also be an after party at the Banff Ave. Brewing Co. starting at 4:30 p.m. that will include a live band and a silent auction.

The after part is another way to raise money, as this year's fundraising goal is $60,000.

"It's good because our services are more visible and noticeable so they're being used more now, but it's bad because it shows how much the services are needed," said YWCA of Banff marketing and communications manager Steve Woollard of their increased fundraising goal. "More people are using the shelter and the resources we offer."

But individuals and teams are stepping up to help - as well as corporate sponsors and companies challenging their rivals to see who can raise the most to walk in heels.

Staff at Norquay posed for photos on a snow cat while wearing bright coloured pumps and The North Face employees hiked to the top of Cascade - not in heels - but put them on at the summit for a photo op.

"Norquay really stood out the most by doing their challenge to all the other ski hills in town," said Donna Hemmings, YWCA of Banff's fundraising and programs coordinator. "It's great to see so much community involvement and interest in Walk A Mile."

And in addition to the bragging rights up for grabs on Friday, there's also prizes. Participants will be eligible for a variety of prizes and the top fundraiser gets a room at the Banff Springs Hotel, a round of golf or a spa treatment.

There are also prizes up for grabs for people who pledge money to walkers. Pledging $100 or more puts you in the running for a night stay in a deluxe room at the Chateau Lake Louise, and a $50 pledge might get you a year's gym pass to the Rimrock.

Men can sign up to walk online at www.banffwalkamile.ca and people can also donate money through the website to support a walker. Volunteers are also needed, and can sign up by contacting Paula at paula@ywcabanff.ab.ca.

larissa.barlow@sunmedia.ca