This year, Walmart launched their first ever “Mom of the Year” contest. The response was overwhelming with over 16,900 nominations. This month, 8 finalists have been selected.
Beware readers. When you read the stories of the these fabulous 8 finalists, you’re sure to shed a tear or two.
Here is just one example of the stories submitted from loving family and friends. Her name is Karen Whitford and her son Zac Whitford submitted the nomination. Thanks to Karen, a donation of at least $10,000 will be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Karen will also receive $10,000 for herself! At the end of September a gala will be held to announce the one Mom of the Year who will receive $100,000 towards her charity of choice.
Forever a Philanthropist
My mom is the most incredible and compassionate person and amazing mom. Her caring spirit shines through all her kind acts, but where she really shines is as our Mom. Both my brother and I have special needs and my mom works so hard to make our lives better like homeschooling my brother to help him and helping me start a business that raises money for cancer. Thanks to her I’m now in the top of my class in college. She volunteers at many organizations including a program called No One Dies Alone after my aunt and grandpa died. Selflessly mom donated one of her kidneys to my Aunt that allowed her to have 7 years with her kids. Mom helps our community on her own doing things like saving wetlands. Her heart’s enormous and she is unique in her capacity to care for others and her devotion to us. She never asks for any recognition and most people don’t realize how much she does. She has a way of making the impossible, possible and without her I’m afraid of where I might be. She is my hero!
Despite having two children with special needs, Karen has taught her children to continue being a philanthropist which is so commendable. Charity is something we should all be doing and teaching our children and Karen is an excellent mentor to share with our children.
Reading Karen’s story is not only a story of charity but that of perseverance in encouraging our children to never give up. Never say you can’t, because with special needs or disabilities, the possibilities are endless!
Disclosure:I’m part of the Walmart program by Mom Central. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own. Mom of the Year Award: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY Internet access and valid email account required. Nominations open May 10, 2012 to July 8, 2012 for legal residents of Canada over the age of majority. Entrants cannot nominate themselves. One (1) grand prize available to be won consisting of $10,000 cash, a $100,000 donation by Wal-mart Canada Corp. to charity/cause and a trip to Toronto (ARV $22,000). Seven (7) runner-up prizes available to be won consisting of $10,000 cash, a $10,000 donation to charity/cause and a trip to Toronto (ARV $22,000). Charity/cause subject to verification and final approval byWal-mart Canada Corp., at its sole discretion. Odds of winning depend on how the judging panel evaluates each entry according to the criteria. For Official Contest Rules and to nominate an entrant, visit www.momoftheyear.ca.