Bissell Centre leads Red Shoe Rock Walk to draw attention to FASD
People wearing red shoes take part in the Red Shoes Rock Walk in Edmonton on Sept. 9, 2024. (Brandon Lynch / CTV News Edmonton)
The Bissell Centre tried to catch the attention of downtown Edmontonians on Monday with a 2.2-kilometre walk through the city's centre in bright red shoes.
The group of about 75 were following in the footsteps of RJ Formanek, an Ontario man with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) who wore red shoes with the hope of starting conversations about FASD and who inspired the official awareness initiative known as the Red Shoes Rock Walk in 2013.
"With this being a bit of a stigmatized and misunderstood condition, this visibility does help spark conversation and does help increase that interest," Bissell Centre spokesperson Chris Schieman told CTV News Edmonton.
According to the government, about four per cent of Canadians – 174,000 Albertans – live with FASD, although the number is believed to be underestimated because of the stigma surrounding the condition.
Schieman added, "(The visibility does) help people know these are just more folks that are part of the community and just hoping to live with a good quality of life like anyone else."
Bissell Centre led the walk on Monday – International FASD Awareness Day – as a partner of the Alberta Fetal Alcohol Network and operator of Hope Terrace, a supportive living facility in King Edward Park meant to reduce housing barriers and provide stable housing to people with FASD.
FASD is caused when a fetus is exposed to alcohol. People with the disability may experience impacts to their memory, executive function, emotional regulation, and more.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Brandon Lynch
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm. Florida orders evacuations
Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm off Mexico and threatens Florida, forecasters say.
A Canadian woman was recently diagnosed with scurvy. Here are the factors tied to the disease
Scurvy is not just an archaic diagnosis of 18th-century seafarers and doctors should watch for possible cases, according to researchers following a recent case.
Alleged suicide kit salesman files in Supreme Court to contest whether assisted suicide can ever be murder
Lawyers representing the Ontario man accused of selling hundreds of suicide kits with deadly effect around the globe have filed to intervene in a case in Canada’s highest court, arguing there is no way he can be charged with murder under Canadian law.
U.K. doctor admits trying to kill his mother's partner with poison disguised as a COVID-19 vaccine
A British doctor on Monday admitted trying to kill his mother's long-term partner, who stood between him and an inheritance, by injecting the man with poison disguised as a COVID-19 vaccine.
Canadian leaders, demonstrators hold events on anniversary of Oct. 7 attack
Ceremonies, events and protests are being held across Canada today to mark the anniversary of a Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
LeBron and Bronny James become first father-son duo to play together on an NBA team
During the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason game against the Phoenix Suns, LeBron and Bronny James became the first father/son duo to play together on an NBA team.
Man arrested after stealing Vancouver police cruiser, driving it into neighbourhood park
A man stole a police car and drove it onto the field of an East Vancouver park Sunday morning, placing 'dozens of bystanders in harm’s way,' according to police.
Lawyers for Madeleine McCann suspect seek acquittal in his German trial on unrelated sexual offence charges
Lawyers for a man who is also under investigation in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann called on Monday for him to be acquitted in his trial on charges of unrelated sexual offences.
Madonna's brother, Christopher Ciccone, dead at 63
Christopher Ciccone, a multihyphenate artist, dancer, designer and younger brother of Madonna, has died. He was 63.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Calgary
-
Officer reprimanded for role in Lethbridge 'MemeGate' scandal involving former MLA Shannon Phillips
A Lethbridge police officer involved in the so-called 'MemeGate' scandal involving former Lethbridge New Democrat MLA Shannon Phillips has been reprimanded.
-
$1M Lotto 6-49 winning ticket purchased in Calgary
Two lottery tickets purchased in Alberta won big in draws last week, with prize money totalling more than $1.2 million.
-
Foothills County man charged with firearms offences, animal cruelty
RCMP arrested and charged a 38-year-old Foothills County man in connection with firearms offences as well as animal neglect.
Lethbridge
-
Officer reprimanded for role in Lethbridge 'MemeGate' scandal involving former MLA Shannon Phillips
A Lethbridge police officer involved in the so-called 'MemeGate' scandal involving former Lethbridge New Democrat MLA Shannon Phillips has been reprimanded.
-
Psychiatric patient missing from Lethbridge hospital found
Lethbridge police say a man who escaped from a psychiatric ward at the Chinook Regional Hospital has been found.
-
Slow down! Lethbridge County pleads with motorists in construction zones
While the summer may be over, construction season in Lethbridge is not.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. Party promises women at-home HPV screening kit as alternative to Pap test in clinic
The Saskatchewan Party says it plans to improve health services for women by providing them with a self-screening kit for HPV as an alternative to the Pap test.
-
Where to watch the upcoming Saskatchewan leaders' debate
As campaigning continues in the lead up to election day in Saskatchewan, a date and time has been chosen for this year's leaders' debate.
-
Sask. community marks sod-turning for Humboldt Broncos memorial
A permanent memorial at the site of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash is about to be a step closer.
Regina
-
Sask. Party promises women at-home HPV screening kit as alternative to Pap test in clinic
The Saskatchewan Party says it plans to improve health services for women by providing them with a self-screening kit for HPV as an alternative to the Pap test.
-
Where to watch the upcoming Saskatchewan leaders' debate
As campaigning continues in the lead up to election day in Saskatchewan, a date and time has been chosen for this year's leaders' debate.
-
Here are Saskatchewan's 8 new constituencies for the 2024 provincial election
As Saskatchewan's population grows, a number of new constituencies have been created to account for larger numbers in certain areas, including within Regina and Saskatoon.
Vancouver
-
Woman charged with murder after stabbing victim dies in Surrey, B.C.
A 36-year-old woman who was charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon following a stabbing last month in Surrey, B.C., has now been charged with murder after the victim died in hospital.
-
'Selfish billionaire': Chip Wilson's mansion vandalized after political sign erected outside
Days after a political sign was erected outside Chip Wilson's Vancouver mansion, the waterfront property has been vandalized with graffiti.
-
Jeep burns on road to popular trailhead in Fraser Valley
Some people heading up to Mount Cheam in Chilliwack, B.C., got more than they bargained for on Sunday.
Vancouver Island
-
'Selfish billionaire': Chip Wilson's mansion vandalized after political sign erected outside
Days after a political sign was erected outside Chip Wilson's Vancouver mansion, the waterfront property has been vandalized with graffiti.
-
Woman charged with murder after stabbing victim dies in Surrey, B.C.
A 36-year-old woman who was charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon following a stabbing last month in Surrey, B.C., has now been charged with murder after the victim died in hospital.
-
Televised B.C. election debate will see party leaders face each other under lights
New Democrat David Eby, B.C. Conservative John Rustad and Sonia Furstenau set to square off in televised debate Tuesday.
Toronto
-
Two people seriously injured in apparent 'road rage' collision in Toronto: police
Police say that they are investigating an apparent road rage incident in North York that may have involved gunfire.
-
Alleged suicide kit salesman files in Supreme Court to contest whether assisted suicide can ever be murder
Lawyers representing the Ontario man accused of selling hundreds of suicide kits with deadly effect around the globe have filed to intervene in a case in Canada’s highest court, arguing there is no way he can be charged with murder under Canadian law.
-
Frank Stronach's sex assault case put over until Nov. 4, set to move to Toronto
Billionaire businessman Frank Stronach, who faces multiple sex assault charges, has had his case put over to next month as lawyers work to have the matter moved to a court in Toronto.
Montreal
-
Palestinian and Israel protests planned at Montreal universities to mark Oct. 7
Students and supporters from Montreal universities have two protests and vigils planned to mark the anniversary of the current war between Israel and Gaza.
-
Celine Dion intros Cowboys v. Steelers Sunday Night Football, gets drenched in Gatorade
Celine Dion introduced the marquee Dallas Cowboys - Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday Night Football game before getting drenched by orange Gatorade.
-
Quebec to spend $1 billion to protect 30 per cent of environment
The Quebec government has announced details of its 2030 Nature Plan, a $922 million roadmap that should enable Quebec to protect 30 per cent of its territory in the coming years.
Atlantic
-
Rain and downpours for the Maritimes; Hurricane Milton to impact both Mexico and Florida
CTV Atlantic meteorologist Kalin Mitchell has details on rain and downpours expected Monday through early Wednesday in the Maritimes, plus an update on Hurricane Milton.
-
Monument unveiled for eight Nova Scotia brothers who fought in Second World War
The eight sons of Richard and Sarah Harvie from Gormanville, N.S., are believed to be the most siblings from one family, from either North America or the British Commonwealth, to serve in the Second World War.
-
N.B. election: Tory leader promises to help synagogues, churches increase security
New Brunswick Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs is promising synagogues, mosques, churches and community organizations more money for security measures, including the installation of surveillance cameras.
Winnipeg
-
Power restored across Manitoba following weekend windstorm
Power is restored across southern Manitoba after a weekend windstorm wreaked havoc in several communities.
-
Totem pole from B.C. artist removed from Manitoba legislature after 53 years
A totem pole that has stood on the grounds of the Manitoba legislature for more than 50 years has come down.
-
16-year-old dead following shooting, police investigating
A 16-year-old male has died following a shooting over the weekend.
Ottawa
-
Jury begins deliberations in Ayoub trial
The fate of an Ottawa man who admitted to murdering his wife and stabbing his daughter in broad daylight in 2021 is now in the hands of a jury.
-
Police investigating discovery of a body along Barrhaven road
The Ottawa Police Service is investigating after a body was found along a road in Barrhaven. Emergency crews responded to a report of a deceased person at approximately 10:15 a.m. Monday in the 3100 block of Greenbank Road, at Strandherd Drive.
-
Rare cloud formations ripple the sky over Ottawa
A unique form of clouds made an appearance over the skies of Ottawa on Sunday evening.
Northern Ontario
-
Former North Bay Battalion player, 23, passes away after cancer battle
The North Bay Battalion hockey team is mourning the loss of a former player who died at 23 after a battle with cancer.
-
Opposition to plan to convert former Sudbury school into 74 residential units
At a meeting on Monday afternoon, Greater Sudbury's planning committee will vote on a plan to convert the former St. Bernadette's school on Auger Street into 74 residential units.
-
A Canadian woman was recently diagnosed with scurvy. Here are the factors tied to the disease
Scurvy is not just an archaic diagnosis of 18th-century seafarers and doctors should watch for possible cases, according to researchers following a recent case.
Barrie
-
Allegedly armed man accused of threatening pedestrians in Barrie catwalk
Officers arrested a man accused of pointing a firearm at two people in Barrie over the weekend.
-
Bail granted to man arrested in sexual assault investigation involving minors
A Severn Township man accused in a sexual assault investigation was granted bail on Monday.
-
Barrie man charged in alleged stabbing
A 22-year-old Barrie man faces charges in connection with an alleged stabbing over the weekend.
Kitchener
-
Toronto man wanted in connection to shooting at Waterloo business
Jalen Belle-McCormack, 20, from Toronto, is currently wanted on a warrant in connection to a shooting at a Waterloo business on May 18.
-
Kitchener stabbing prompts police investigation
According to police, officers responded to reports of a stabbing in the area of Victoria Street North and St. Leger Street around 5:30 a.m. Sunday.
-
Driver, 95, charged after pedestrian death in Guelph
A 95-year-old man is facing charges after a collision last month resulted in the death of a 72-year-old woman in Guelph.
London
-
911 having technical issues across parts of midwestern Ontario
Anyone calling 911 across parts of midwestern Ontario Monday morning may be experiencing what's being escribed as "technical difficulties."
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm. Florida orders evacuations
Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm off Mexico and threatens Florida, forecasters say.
-
Provincial funding for LHSC hopes to clear up ICU beds
Permanent funding provided to London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and other hubs hopes to improve quality of life for patients on ventilators.
Windsor
-
$17,000 seized at Ambassador Bridge
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized $17,000 in unreported cash at the Ambassador Bridge.
-
Windsorites facing charges following drug bust in LaSalle
LaSalle police have seized a quantity of drugs after a vehicle stop.
-
Enwin makes electrifying vehicle advancements
Enwin Utilities has stepped into electrification, fully electrifying their fleet of vehicles.
