Walmart Mom Of The Year Award – 8 Finalists Chosen #MOTY

The eight finalists in the Mom of the Year Award by Walmart have been chosen. This annual event both thanks these moms for their generosity of spirit and helps their charities. Each will receive $10,000 for personal use and $10,000 to the charity they have chosen. Plus, at the end of September a gala will be held to announce the Mom of the Year, who will receive $100,000 for her charity!

Meet Helen MacDonnell who’s not afraid to approach mental illness and help support and encourage those struggling with this. Unfortunately, because you can’t see mental illness, it’s a disease that is often left untreated or scorned by society. Here is her story as written by her son:

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.

This story brings tears to my eyes. Mental illness is close to my heart and I have family members that suffer. It’s an issue that needs more exploration and further support. People are left in the cold by friends and family who don’t understand. Support is huge and I applaud Helen in efforts, accomplishments and goals.

I’d like you all to consider Helen and the other Moms of the Year. Support them and remember that next year you too could be Mom of the Year and help to support your own charity of heart.

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].