The Red Shoe Walk initially kicked off in 2013 when RJ Formanek wanted to start a conversation about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). As an adult who has FASD, he thought educating people and showcasing his diverse skillset and reliance was important. And the Red Shoe Walk was born.

RJ figured he should stand out – red shoes did the trick. With his crimson kicks, RJ took to the street in his Ontario hometown, stopping to talk with anyone willing to learn about FASD. Formanek’s initiative took off and has been adopted across the country, with Red Shoe Walks taking place in major cities across Canada each year. 

Bissell Centre, in partnership with Unlimited Potential - Open Arms, is holding its Red Shoe Walk on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026. It starts at noon, departing from Sir Winston Churchill Square and strolling through downtown Edmonton helping to spark conversations about FASD.

Bissell Centre’s programs and services are largely informed through a strengths-based lens to better support people with FASD. This includes programs specifically catered to people with FASD such as the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum of Services (FASS), the permanent supportive housing site Hope Terrace, and the new supportive recovery house Den of Willows. These programs help work towards Bissell Centre’s vision to eliminate poverty in the community.

“These conversations about FASD are important because of how widespread this condition can be,” says Sophia Mejia, Manager of Specialized Services at Bissell Centre. “Approximately four per cent of people in Canada have FASD — that’s more than autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome combined. It’s a highly misunderstood condition and no two people with FASD are alike.”

FASD affects people differently depending on when alcohol was introduced to their fetal development. Alcohol slows down development, both physically and mentally. How FASD affects a person is highly individualized and often requires individualized programs and supports.

“Everyone has unique strengths and our wraparound supports programs help individuals with FASD uncover their strengths and lean on them to find their stability,” says Mejia. “The Red Shoe Walk is meant to spark conversations about FASD and demonstrate how wraparound supportive living can help so many people live with dignity and find  opportunities to play a meaningful role in their communities.”

Join us on September 9th for the Red Shoe Walk and help spread better understanding about FASD. Visit bissellcentre.org to learn more about FASD and Bissell Centre’s supports for people with FASD. 

Information submitted by Bissell Centre.