White Bear First Nation mom wins $1,500 shopping experience

The first winner of a $1,500 shopping experience for single First Nations moms says learning she had been chosen came as a relief.

"I appreciate it so much, it came at a time when I was pretty worried about the upcoming month and then just the relief of knowing that things are going to be OK," said Star Maxie, from White Bear First Nation.

The Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre in Regina recently made a call out for nominations for a monthly Mama Bear Made it Happen contest, looking to recognize single mothers who are making ends meet, juggling responsibilities and managing it to make it happen for their kids.

The friendship centre was offering the winner a $1,500 shopping experience for things like groceries, clothing, household items, or child-related needs. They received 580 nominations and support from community members wanting to help out with the giveaway.

Maxie said winning the giveaway came as she was about to face the fifth anniversary of her baby son’s death.

"The anniversary is always the toughest and just living through that and just thinking it's another year without the headstone," said Maxie.

A portion of her shopping experience will go toward a headstone for her son, something she said was a huge relief. 

Maxie was nominated by her daughter Twyla, 19, who hopes to become a paramedic then a firefighter and is currently doing online courses to do so.

"I love my mom and we've been through a lot and growing up raising me as a single mom, she deserves the world," said Twyla.

Twyla Maxie and her mom faced homelessness and the loss of her grandma, baby brother during the pandemic.

Twyla said she and her mom cried a lot when she found out she was nominated, and the pair shed tears of joy when they learned Star won.

She said she is grateful for her mom to get this experience and all she has done for her.

"What I've experienced growing up, just watching my mom be like the biggest hero in my life," Twyla said. 

Taylor Apperley, an intensive case co-ordinator and program co-ordinator with The Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre said the monthly giveaway was created to uplift women, especially mothers.