Do you know a Mom of the Year?

When you think about all the mothers you know, it's amazing what those women have accomplished. Mothers who work, and mothers who work at keeping a household. Mothers who put everyone ahead of themselves. I think the moment you become a mother - whether it's a child you birthed or a child you foster, adopted, or provide care for - you grow up. It may be of necessity, but it's 100% a labour of love.

I know there are mums out there who have overcome huge personal crises and obstacles in their lives and I admire that. I also admire the everyday heroes, the mums who keep families running smoothly and happily, mums who can be counted on to be there for their little ones, stand by their husbands, put family first and still find time to be good friends.

There's one mum I know who I really admire for all she does. Maggie is a mum of four great kids who are happy, smart and interesting children (not to mention cute as all get-out). She manages to keep her house spotless, get the boys off to school, entertain her two little girls all day, and prepare a hot dinner for the family, all before heading off to work at her job - and still finds time to hit the gym.

Maggie is also a great friend. She organizes play dates for all the mums she knows, often hosting loads of little ones and their mothers at her house (and I'm sure you all can imagine the chaos that can entail). She is the person who gets everyone together and sorts out what to do and when. She's a great listener, and a thoughtful and intelligent person to have a conversation with. Just the sort of friend you want to have. 

Maggie is my pick for Mom of the Year. What is MOTY, exactly?

This year Walmart is launching the Mom of the Year Award to help celebrate and recognize the huge contribution moms make as role models and integral members of the family and community.  This award will become an annual program to celebrate all that Mom does and shine a light on what is important to her.

Nominations will be accepted Mother’s Day (May 13) through July 8, 2012 and can be submitted through www.momoftheyear.ca. They can come from daughters, sons, family members, friends, colleagues or community members.


Eight finalists will be selected and notified in mid-August and will be treated to an award celebration weekend in September. The Mom of the Year Award recipient will receive $10,000 for personal use and $100,000 to their cause or charity of choice. The remaining seven finalists will each receive $10,000 for personal use and $10,000 to their cause or charity of choice.

 Wow - talk about a generous and amazing award! Way to go, Walmart. So get thinking about who you are going to nominate for Mom of the Year.


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].