Mom of the Year Award with Walmart

Well the first year of the Mom of the Year Award with Walmart Canada has been hugely successful!  There were so many applicants and the 8 finalists all have an amazing story to tell.  You can say without a doubt that all 8 of these women deserved to be nominated and I really don't know how exactly the judges are going to choose a winner.  Mind you I also don't know how they even got it down to 8 Moms!

The two Moms who's stories touched me the most were Wendy White and Tammy MacKinnon!

Here is Wendy White's story!
Would you be able to attend and raise money for an Autism Canada Speaks Walk, drive your son's mother-in-law to a cancer treatment, babysit your twin grandsons, help hold down your special needs granddaughter for a blood test, mow the lawn and then bring supper to your daughter's family? My mom can, and does! These acts of kindness are only some of the things she does to see us happy and healthy.. Even after the sudden death of her husband and mother, all within a year, she continues to give unconditionally. Her positive attitude is one of her best qualities, and shines through on even the darkest of days. She is a caring, dedicated and hardworking role model to many friends and family. When I thank her and kiss her good-bye each day, I hope she knows the joy she brings to all of us. I would not be the mom I am today, if not for all her love and support. My mom is The Mother of the Year to me, my brother, our children and our families.

Here is Tammy MacKinnon's story!   Tammy has opened her home and heart to more than 30 foster children over the years. She has adopted 2 children from China and is raising 2 biological children as well. She's relentless in the pursuit of a meaningful life for her children and any children she comes in contact with. Her home and yard is never closed to the neighborhood children. She started an adoption coalition, an adoption website, an organization that helped raise money for playgrounds in Chinese orphanages, is the treasurer for a Canadian group helping poor children get an education and healthy meal everyday in Dominican Republic. She never stops for a second to smell her own roses. She works part time in a supermarket, has her own sign business that promotes family and love. She devotes some time to the local food kitchen to help the needy. She constantly gets her children involved in community/giving to foster the same in them. I cannot say enough good about this mom...when most people stop and relax, she does not.

These two moms are unselfish, caring, kind and would do anything for anybody!  They look out for others before themselves and are just all around amazing women who I would be proud to call a parent, friend or even Mom.  These are the type of women we want our daughters to become.  If Kristina turned out to be half of the women these women are I would be super proud!   Each of the 8 Moms who are finalists will each get $10,000 for the charity of their choice as well as $10,000 for themselves!!!  At the gala this month one Mom will be awarded Mom of the Year and her charity will receive $100,000 can you believe that!  Think of how much of a difference that can make!!  Go and read these women's story's and let them move you like they moved me!  Be on the lookout again next year for another round of Mom of the Year and you can nominate your Mom!!  

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].