TORONTO, Ont. – Hundreds of men teetered in pumps and stilettos for a lunch-hour trek around Toronto’s downtown core to raise awareness of violence against women.

The White Ribbon Campaign, the organizer’s of Thursday’s fourth annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes hoped the benefit would raise about $145,000. The campaign provides educational programs for youth on violence prevention.

“Asking men to take a moment and reflect on realities for women and girls in our city and country is important now more than ever,” Jeff Perera, the campaign’s program manager told 680News.com.

“Having men literally walk a mile in high heels is a moment for them to realize just what that experience is like, then consider other daily realities for women such as walking through our city streets or taking public transit and being subject to unwanted and unwelcome street harassment and sexual assault,” he said.

Perera opted for black flats with hot pink tips at Thursday’s event.

“Not all women wear heels, and wearing heels doesn’t embody experiences for women but it a symbolic gesture to say to other men — let’s be a part of change, one step at a time.”

He said Thursday’s event is a way to “engage our whole community on ways men can play a role in changing the climate of our city, as allies, role models and engaged bystanders.”

Paul Lewis, who served as a U.S. marine for 22 years, dressed in uniform and four-inch red pumps.

“It’s going to be the hardest walk I’ve ever done,” said Lewis, who believes men have a vital role in addressing the issue.

“Marines are associated for being tough guys, but it’s important that people know about this and education is the only way we can stop this.”

“Brett MacLachlan, 11, borrowed his sister’s black, knee-high stiletto boots for the walk.

“They’re not very comfortable, but I practised a bit at home,” he said.

“I’m walking for all the women who are abused and I think we can just stand up for them and not let them be bullied,” MacLachlan said.