Walmart has chosen their eight finalists for their Mom of the Year Award! I am so excited about this annual event that both thanks moms for their generosity and spirit and helps out with many different charities.
Each mom will receive $10,000 for their own personal use and another $10,000 to put toward the charity of their own choice, which is pretty cool — right? At the end of this month a huge gala will be held to announce the Mom of the Year who will receive $100,000 for her charity!
Meet Helen MacDonnel, a mom and wife like everyone else but not. Helen is a true champion and her story, written by her son is so touching because his feelings for his mom resonate with me.
My mother is extremely special to not only her children and husband, but to all she encounters. She came from a family of 9 children, and is 3rd youngest. She has a law degree but chose to stay home and raise her two children. After her brother committed suicide, she began reading about bipolar disorder and depression, which is what he suffered from. She saw the lack of support that existed for people living with mental illness, and set out to change it. She started hosting an annual kitchen party at which guests were encouraged to share stories, provide support for one another, and donate to the Canadian Mental Health Association. Her idea spread, gaining more and more guests each year, and blossomed into the annual fundraiser known as Women and Wellness, which promotes open dialogue about mental illness, and is now hosted across the country, with events being held from Halifax to Vancouver. She is a great mother as she has been able to accomplish so much and help so many people. — Alex Miller (son)
I have bipolar depression and my six year old son (Tas) was just diagnosed with Early Onset Bipolar and Sensory Disorder. Reading Helen’s story made me cry right away. Changing societies stigma on mental illness isn’t easy. I love that Helen organized a kitchen party to help others. There is a lack of support for mental illness. It’s something I worry about each and every day for my son. With women and MOMS like Helen raising awareness. I pray and hope one day things will change.
I hope you all support Helen and the other seven finalists in the Walmart Mom of the Year Campaign. I know I will. These women are all incredible and have contributed more than just their hearts. From adoption to looking after children with special needs, putting their lives on hold, putting others first. Walmart Mom(s) of the Year are truly incredible!
This is the first year for Walmart leading this incredible campaign to showcase these amazing moms. Look out for 2013 as they plan on continuing this great adventure of inspiration, which we could all use a little more of today — don’t you think? Head on over and visit MOTY on Facebook and tell them we sent you. Drop a comment on the site and show these moms your support!
We wish them all the best of luck!
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 by Wal-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].
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