My friend Caroline whispered something to me at the last Business After Five event up at Okanagan College about an idea she had. These events are always busy and I could not really hear what she said
... something about...
Firemen - ok that got my attention
Teen Junction funding challenges.... WHAT! Cuts to a teen literacy program – that just did not make sense... then she said something about
RED SHOES... and photos. And would I and I of course said I would.... 
A few days later I got a voice mail from Debbie Schiller from Teen Junction talking “Heels On Fire” about these hundreds of pairs of red shoes and firemen and a fire truck and thanking me for being a part of it and I wondered what on earth I had gotten involved in!! Truth be told I always wanted to photograph firemen....
The following article was written by Cara Brady of the Vernon Morning Star Newspaper
If the shoe fits, make a donation to the Teen Junction Youth Centre and receive a pair free.
The Heels on Fire fundraiser was sparked when Caroline Radics of Rea Financial Services bought 405 pairs of red hot and steamy black patent sandals online with the idea of doing some kind of local fundraiser.
Then her daughter, Holly Thibault, had to do a community-centred project for her Global Education class at Fulton school and Radics heard that the Teen Junction Literacy Centre might have to close due to lack of funding. They agreed that this was the project they were looking for.
“I had a vision that women would like to buy red shoes from firemen,” said Radics.
And that’s what is going to happen Oct. 3 at the Village Green Hotel parking lot when volunteer firefighters help women try on the shoes that are gifts with a suggested donation of $25 to Teen Junction.
Heels on Fire is getting a lot of support from the community with Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers providing free refreshments and Brenda Ellis of Okanagan Real Estate Hub Century 21 taking a free photo of each woman with her new shoes and a firefighter.
The Vernon Chamber of Commerce is supporting the event.
“We want to see the youth centre continue in the community to help keep kids occupied and focused,” said Val Trevis of the chamber.
Debbie Schiller, executive director of the Junction Youth Centre, is grateful for the enthusiasm for the centre, which was in danger of having to close as early as October because of funding cuts. The fundraiser will be a big help and there is more good news.
“The City of Vernon finance committee has approved our application for a discretionary grant and this will be presented to council Oct. 13. The staff at the provincial gaming office has told us that our Direct Access application has been received and we will know their decision by the end of October,” said Schiller.
“When I got the call from Caroline about Heels on Fire, I was delighted with this unique fundraiser. It should be a lot of fun and, if we get other funding as well, will allow us to keep the drop-in centre open for another year while we look at core funding options.”
The Junction Youth Centre is open to youth ages 14 to 18 with a safe, caring environment providing two free, hot meals per week and teaching cooking and other life skills, as well as volunteer opportunities and workshops. For more information see www.junctionyouth.ca.
Heels on Fire takes place Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or for as long as the shoes last. Shoes (sizes 6-10) can be pre-ordered or come in to the Junction Youth Centre at 3104-37th Ave. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday. For more information contact 250-275-3117 or email info@junctionyouth.ca.
I have already got my new red shoes! They are so much fun!
Warmest regards,
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