P.A. man sets out to end violence against women

Conrad Burns plans to walk from Prince Albert to Saskatoon next month, a distance of roughly 140 kilometres.

The ‘Walk of Hope’ will cap off what Burns hopes will be a whole week dedicated to raising awareness about violence against women.

Burns said he felt compelled to do something after hearing some horrible stories from women he dated.

“She went to self-defense class one day and she was learning kickboxing, doing really well with it and she started feeling confident. Her boyfriend, who was an abuser, started taking karate with her. Eventually he started using it on her, one time he kicked her while she was pregnant,” said Burns.

“Another story is where it started from a young age through alcohol abuse and that had an effect on how she treated men and how she would interact with people.”

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Burns plans to address Prince Albert’s city council in the coming weeks about his idea for an awareness week.

The tentatively scheduled date for the awareness week is May 19 to 22.

Among the events Burns has planned are a concert, self-defense seminars at the park, presentations within the schools, and the walk from Prince Albert to Saskatoon.

“I am just going and I’m hoping others will come,” he said.

Burns has also revealed he plans to run for mayor in October 2016.

He said it’s something he has been wanting to do for a long time and feels he can be a strong voice for Prince Albert.

Among the issues he plans to campaign on are more investment for social programming, and tax relief for local businesses.

Burns said one time, acting on behalf of a local charity, he approached a local business for a donation and was told no.

“They said they couldn’t afford it as the taxes they pay to the City are too high,” he said.

Burns is quite active in the community. During the week, he teaches young kids how to box at the P.A. Boxing Club.  Burns is also heavily involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell