Edmonton single moms celebrated at Mother’s Day event: ‘It means everything’

As Mother’s Day can be a tricky holiday for single moms – especially those with young kids – an Edmonton-based charity wanted to do its part to make the weekend special.

On Friday, single mothers were invited to an event at the Londonderry Mall organized by the charity Kaleo Collective.

Kids were encouraged to pick out free jewelry, makeup or bath and body items to gift to their moms, as well as a handmade bouquet of flowers.

Several local businesses sponsored the event, which is in its seventh year.

“I was a single mom when I was 16,” said Layna Haley, the founder and president of Kaleo Collective. “So single moms have a really special place in my heart. And I know that Mother’s Day can be one of those holidays that’s tricky for single moms. You know, they’re the ones that are behind the memories and the holidays all the time.

“So being able to help single moms’ kids to give her a gift on Mother’s Day is really important to me. Really special.”

Edmonton mother with kids at Mother’s Day event on May 6, 2022. (Credit: CityNews/Sarah Chew)

Single mothers and even supportive grandmothers said they appreciated the special event.

“It means everything,” said Cami Malbeuf, a single mom with a one-year-old daughter. “Just to have the opportunity to make memories with her, and I think Kaleo is doing such a beautiful thing to support single moms through this event and through all the work that they do.”

“This has been amazing both for me and for them,” added Amanda Villneff, a mother of six-year-old twins. “They have been so excited to come and pick out a special gift for me, and I know that it means the world to them.”

“I love the fact that they are encouraging and supporting single moms,” said Tannis Wing, whose daughter is a single mother. “Single moms need all the help they can get. They’re facing a mountainous job raising a child on their own.”

Haley said at least 500 kids were expected to show up at this event to give gifts to their moms.

“For a lot of times, moms feel like they’re just a mom,” said Haley. “And today’s a day for them to recognize that they are so much – they mean everything to their children.”