One of my favourite traditions with my Mom is going to K-Days in Edmonton. We’ve done it for 21 years now, with the exception of maybe one or two when I was having babies. We enjoy a leisurely lunch while we watch the thoroughbred races at Northlands Park. We spend the whole afternoon laughing and enjoying each other’s company. She bets, I post them for her, we have our little routines. Then we wander through the exhibits, buy fudge and mini donuts. We stay at a hotel because we both come from other places. They are memories I will treasure as long as I live.

What does going to the Exhibition have to do with Mother’s Day? Well, those memories contribute to the embodiment of who my Mom is, and when it comes to celebrating her, those moments mean something. When I think of her, there is no thing I can do, nor words to fully express my gratitude for all she represents to me. When Mother’s Day comes around, I fall so short in acknowledging her but then, maybe demonstrating my love and appreciation is something I should do more of all year through and not just leave it for one day out of the entire year! This year she’s going to be in Cow Town with me (a rare treat), and we get to enjoy an Elvis impersonation dinner theatre. Can’t wait! After all, Elvis was always her first love!! 🙂

Memory lane and Mother’s Day

I read an article this week that took me down memory lane and it offered a great idea for making Mom’s day special. One dad bought a journal and has his little girl write/draw a card in it every year instead of buying one. How sweet is that? I like that dad! Thoughtful, all I’d need to draw a tear or two! Isn’t that a great idea?

There are so many creative things we can do without spending a ton of money. Breakfast in bed – the old standby. A hand-made coupon book filled with ‘gifts’ of time, chores done, good attitudes, no sibling fights for a day… Flowers of course, family. Surprises.

Mom’s Day and Donate a Car Canada

All of us working at Donate A Car Canada are moms [This was the case when this was originally posted back in 2014 — we’ve had a few shuffles in staff since then!]. We all have lots of stuff. I think I can safely speak for all of us when I say that we don’t need more stuff. We want more meaning. If you really wanted to do something meaningful for Mom, you could ask what her favourite charity is and make a donation on her behalf. Maybe it’s MADD, maybe it’s Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, maybe it’s Inn from the Cold. Take a look through our thousands of Canadian charities and you’ll find an organization I’m sure, who could use the love and generosity of a family honouring their Mom, whether it’s a monetary gift, a vehicle donated through our program, or even volunteering.

Whatever you choose to do to make Mother’s Day memorable, know that even the little things mean a lot to us Moms!

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MADD Canada’s Fast Facts

MADD Canada is on a mission. Stop impaired driving and support victims of this violent crime.

Over 100 chapters and community leaders and 7,500 volunteers across Canada deliver our programs and services.

Project Red Ribbon is part of Canada’s longest running public awareness program. Every year, one million red ribbons and one million car decals are distributed across Canada.

And 730,000 visits to our website every year, for a total of over 4,450,000 page views!

Over 400,000 pieces of mail sent each year to donors and supporters.

And over 1 million students in Grades 7 to 12 see our School Assembly Program annually.

Our work has programs for victims and survivors. We provide public awareness, and legal research. Chapters and Community Leaders, youth, and anti-impaired driving technology ensure capably compassionate care..

Alcohol and/or drug-related motor vehicle crashes occur every day. Hundreds of Canadians are injured and up to four will lose their lives.

And the impact is huge! 65,000 Canadians are impacted in some way by impaired drivers. Every year.

Cannabis and impaired driving

Recent legislation around legal use of cannabis has some Canadians worried about impaired driving. Should we have concerns? How might we manage use to ensure safety for all? MADD has some helpful direction on this. Check them out!

Or, you can find them on Twitter at @MADDonline.

Are you a victim of impaired driving?

MADD is at the ready to support, resource, and come alongside you. You are not alone. Visit their website and search, “Victim/Survivor Information Request Form“. This will connect you to caring volunteers who can begin a supportive process with you.

‘Want to help? MADD gets an A

MADD IS PROUD TO BE ON THE FINANCIAL POST’S ANNUAL LIST OF CANADA’S MOST EFFICIENT AND ACCOUNTABLE CHARITIES. With an “A” rating, they are just one of 23 groups to get on this list! Add your car, truck, SUV, van, or motorcycle gift to this sturdy work.

The post MADD | No alcohol. No drugs. No victims. appeared first on Donate A Car.