Area residents will have the opportunity to sign on or to simply learn more about MOMS Canada at their Celebration Event this Sunday at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Spruce Grove. The event starts at 2 p.m.
The charity organization aims to assist single-parent families in our community to attain spiritual, educational and personal growth, as well as economic stability through Christian mentoring and co-ordination of services that promote the well-being of children.
For Meda Weir, executive director of MOMS Canada, having charity status is no minor achievement.
"It's so huge," beamed Weir.
"It's been two years of hard, hard work, proving ourselves, convincing the Canada Revenue Agency that we were going to set up a program and do it and be diligent in carrying out what we decided to do and serving the community of single women and hopefully single parents."
There's an important distinction there. Despite the name of the organization, MOMS Canada has been looking to broaden their scope, fully aware that single parents come in all forms.
"It takes a huge number of volunteers to help out single dads," said Weir.
"We would need a whole other team of people and a whole lot of men. I don't have any men, just my husband, who's been awesome. Men kind of shy away from stuff like this, they don't think it's their forté, but it could be - helping mom's move, using pickup trucks, home maintenance. That practical help goes a long way."
The range of support is broader than simply volunteer help. MOMS Canada is also looking for a program director, board members, mentors and, of course, some financial backing to make the organization viable in the long run.
"We're hoping to stir the interest in the community, first of all so they know we are here," said Weir about Sunday's event.
"People who feel unfulfilled or that there's nothing more for them to do and they would really like to be out there doing something to help people, there's work for them. No matter how old you are, you can do something. God keeps us on this Earth for a reason, not to just watch the days go by, feeling useless. They haven't connected. They'll have a chance with us."ex.rep.editor@bowesnet.com
