Raising funds to change women’s
and children’s lives in Ethiopia.

Saturday, October 18, 2025
Maranatha Christian Reformed Church
735 Frontenac Cres, Woodstock
2:00-4:00pm
(Registration begins at 1:00pm)

The inspirational/educational portion of the event will take place indoors in the Maranatha Christian Reformed Church. Weather permitting, the remaining portion of the event (a short outdoor walk) will be outside in the residential area around the church. 

Walk the distance you would like/are able to or remain in the church, visit with friends and enjoy the silent auction, Discover Ethiopia contest, Ethiopian Merkato and the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony.

Your choice to raise funds for two of the projects Hearts for Ethiopia funds in Ethiopia will help change lives through the provision of medical and psychological care, shelter, clothing, food, education, women's empowerment, and care.

What is A Walk in Their Shoes?

A Walk in Their Shoes is a fun event for all ages. Two main goals of the event are to:

1. raise much needed funds for the women and children in Ethiopia and,

2. raise awareness of the realities of life for millions and millions of women and children in that country.

Pictures, stories and accounts of real people in Ethiopia will educate walkers about realities in Ethiopia and how the funds they have raised will make a big difference in the lives of women and children.

"Discover Ethiopia" is a contest that will take place in Maranatha Christian Reformed Church with a door prize for a lucky winner.   A Silent Auction, Ethiopian Merkato and an Ethiopian Coffee ceremony inside the church will provide entertainment and fun.

Goals to Work Toward:

Raise $150 - 3 Bright Futures. Your fundraising will provide school uniforms and supplies for three children at Tesfa’s Shelter.

Raise $300 - Restored Health & Hope. Your fundraising will provide one woman in the Wellness for Women project medical assessment and treatment, which will help ensure her children are not orphaned and the woman will be able to earn a living to provide for herself and her children.

Raise $450 - A New Beginning. Your fundraising will provide one woman with the equipment and supplies she needs to start a small business to support herself and her children.

Raise $1000 - One Life, One Year of Provision & Love. Your fundraising will make you the sponsor of one child at Tesfa’s Shelter, providing nourishing meals, loving care, and the gift of education... everything they need to feel safe, supported, and hopeful for the future.

Agenda:

Registration – 1:00 – 1:50 p.m
Bring your pledge sheet and collected funds.
Receive recognition for your level of fundraising.

Walk Kick-Off – 2:00 – 2:10 p.m.
Gather inside the hall to start A Walk in Their Shoes!

Interactive Education – 2:10 – 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the realities of real lives in Ethiopia through videos, storytelling and Q&As, and how the projects Hearts for Ethiopia funds are making a big difference.

Refreshments – 2:30 - 2:50 p.m.
Enjoy some delicious refreshments, visit the silent auction table, the Ethiopian Merkato, and the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony and complete the Discover Ethiopia contest.

Interactive Education – 2:50-3:10 p.m.
Learn about the realities of real lives in Ethiopia through videos, storytelling and Q&As, and how the projects Hearts for Ethiopia funds are making a big difference.

Walk - 3:10 – 3:40 p.m.
Weather permitting, grab a cup of coffee or hot apple cider, some trail mix and/or an apple and walk the event route with pictures and facts about women and children in Ethiopia.

Closing Ceremonies – 3:45 – 4:00 p.m.
Gather inside the church’s hall. The Silent Auction will close at 3:45 p.m. The winner of the Discover Ethiopia, the top three individual fundraisers, the top three teams, and the total will be announced.