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Contest honours moms

Walmart Canada is taking nominations for its Mom of the Year 2014 contest. This year six moms will be selected.

A Chilliwack mom won last year, maybe another could this year.

Walmart Canada is seeking nominations for Mom of the Year 2014.

The initiative is more a celebration than a competition – celebrating the 9.2 million Canadian moms who work tirelessly every day to provide for their families.

Moms who are caretakers, confidantes, diaper changers, and decision makers. Moms who wipe the tears away, who know the perfect things to say, who laugh and encourage and cheer their children every step of the way.

Last year, that mom was Chilliwack's own Susi Vander Wyk. A mother of three, Van Wyk put her heart and soul into advocating for parents and their children with disabilities.

After a year of struggling following her daughter Holli's diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy type 2, or SMA, Vander Wyk didn't want other parents to feel as she did. She started a parent support group, became actively involved in Families of SMA, organized fundraisers, facilitated a summer camp for children with SMA, and is now president of the nationwide charity.

Her story inspired the country over. Vander Wyk won $100,000 for the charity last year.

Walmart's Mom of the Year has been running for two years, awarding one special mom that coveted title each year. But this year, six moms will be crowned. And one will be chosen by the voting community.

From now until May 23, Walmart Canada will be accepting nominations. Categories for nominations include environmental superstar, community champion, smart saver, loving caregiver, and everyday hero.

The top 20 candidates will be chosen by a selection committee, including Vander Wyk, and voting will begin. The moms with the most votes will be guaranteed a spot in the winning circle.

For each of the six winners, Walmart Canada will make a $10,000 donation to their charity of choice and $10,000 to the moms.

The remaining 14 finalists will receive $500 for their charity of choice and $500 for themselves.

So, what are you waiting for? Nominate that special mom in your life for Mom of the Year.

For more information or to nominate a mom, visit the website www.walmart.ca/mom.