The Kamloops and District Labour Council will host its annual Shoe Memorial on Saturday, December 6, at Kamloops Heritage House, located at 100 Lorne Street. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a special reflection ceremony scheduled for 12 noon.

Held on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, the Shoe Memorial marks the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal. The day honours women,  girls, and gender-diverse people whose lives have been taken or harmed by gender-based violence.

The memorial features rows of shoes displayed to represent missing and murdered women, serving as a powerful visual reminder of the ongoing crisis of violence across the country. Community members, unions, students, families, and local organizations are invited to drop in at any time during the event.

“December 6 is a day to remember the women and girls whose lives have been taken, and to stand with survivors,” said Lois Rugg, President of the Kamloops and District Labour Council. “We invite people in Kamloops and the region to come together, to reflect in silence, and to recommit ourselves to building communities where everyone can live free from violence.”

The Shoe Memorial is one of several initiatives through which the KDLC works with affiliates and partners across the region—from Merritt to Valemount and Chase to Lillooet—to advance social justice and human rights.

Those wishing to support frontline services can donate directly to the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre and the Y Women’s Emergency Shelter.

Event Details:
What: KDLC Shoe Memorial
When: Saturday, December 6
Time: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Ceremony: 12:00 noon
Where: Heritage House, 100 Lorne Street, Kamloops