With Mother’s Day having just passed, we’re still basking in the afterglow of all the love and attention given to us and women everywhere to celebrate. It’s a bit of a joy-hangover though, because as the days pass we get back to our regular routines and sometimes it quickly gets forgotten how amazing we as women, wives, and mothers are to the people we take care of. Hopefully, we get recognized from time to time throughout the year and more so, hopefully we take the time to recognize other women throughout the year as well. Think about it, beyond Mother’s Day, when is the last time you told a woman in your life how amazing you think they are? Or told someone else about a woman you know in admiration?
In recognition of women around us who take strides both big and small to help those around them and achieve greatness, Schick Hydro Silk is inviting Canadians to showcase their heroines in an online gallery called Taking Strides, Sharing Stories.
This gallery will give women the opportunity to post inspiring stories about themselves or others, share the stories on their social networks, celebrate acts of endearing or amazing and encourage others to do the same. Uploading the stories (and pictures if you’d like), you’re helping to spread positivity and encourage others to do amazing things as well! The best part? For every image or story uploaded, $1.00 will be donated to a Women’s Mental Health program.
As well, every entry to the Taking Strides, Sharing Stories online gallery will gain you an entry to win a trip for 2 to Costa Rica! The trip is valued at approximately $8000 and includes roundtrip flight in economy from the airport nearest the winner, 7 nights accommodation within a double occupancy all-inclusive 5* beach front hotel!
Intregued? Here’s your opportunity, readers, to be among the first to be featured on the Schick Hydro Silk Taking Strides, Sharing Stories gallery when it goes live May 22nd! By leaving your story below in the comments section, you could see that story on the gallery when the site goes live May 22nd! Consumers across Canada will be flocking to the site May 22nd and your story may be among the first to be seen! (Note: official entries into the contest/draw won’t start until the site is live May 22nd, so to be entered for the amazing trip and have your entry count for a donation as well, please make sure you go to the site after May 22nd!)
To thank you for your participation, everyone who leaves a comment below will be entered to win a $75 Schick Hydro Silk Prize Package (details below!)
I can’t wait to read the stories shared here and be inspired by the amazing women in your lives! A note – you can of course recognize yourself and your achievements as well! I think all too often we don’t want to toot our own horn so if you’re comfortable sharing how you have made some strides to achieve greatness, please share!
My youngest sister is a fabulous, incredible and inspiring young woman. She has two lovely young boys and a husband that she cares for exceptionally well at the same time she manages her career. I honestly don’t know how she finds the time to do all that she does, from work, to home, to sports, to volunteering, to making sure she spends time with her girlfriends. She’s an absolutely fabulous aunt to my daughter and has taught her many of the skills I lack. (She’s a tremendous baker and bakes with my daughter, also has made homemade pickles with her). Her optimism is catching and she brings a sense of peace when she is around others. Just by being who she is changes others, and I am so prouf to be her sister.
My mom is very inspiring.. SHe is really an amazing lady. She has quit her job and now takes full time care of my Grandparents who suffer from dementia. She has 3 daughters of her own as well, 8 grandchildren, 2 cats and 2 dogs.. Yet she STILL has tile to give her all and help out whenever shes needed. She is just an amazing lady and is really my best friend.
My cousin is running a marathon for cancer care research. Everybody should do that at least once in their lifetime.
My best friend inspires me every day..she is a stay home mom to two special needs children and is currently in process of adopting another special needs child… It takes a vey special person to be able to be so selfless and giving and to want to even do this..
She is the strongest person I know and the very best mom too…
My friend Cindy. She has had to over come so many challenges. She always does so with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She is the toughest person I have ever met.
My mom changes my life for the better each day! She has gone through some heavy obstacles but always manages to stay positive and smile. my mom knows how to put a positive spin on anything. She is such a hard worker, working 12 hour night shifts at a factory to put money away for us kids for when we need it. Always thinking about others before herself. After losing both of her parents to cancer, she raises money and walks for cancer every year
My girlfriend is trying to make the world better by making TREMENDOUS strides in her career field. We’re both undergraduate students in Ontario, Canada, and she has been the most dedicated person I know. She’s maintained a top-notch average, she volunteers in the community at least ten hours a week, and she’s gotten government funding two years in a row now to work in a research lab to help advance society’s understanding of Cognitive Neuroscience. She just finished her third year of University, and I’m so proud of her!
My mother has made great strides in her life and the lives of her four children. Our family went through a very rough decade, but we’ve come out of it stronger than ever, and we have my mother to thank for that. She’s a very strong woman, and I certainly look to her as my role-model. She has been and continues to be my inspiration – I am where I am today because of her continued support and encouragement!
My sisters are very inspiring – one has problems with her spine but goes to work everyday . She does the gym to help keep her spine in shape. My youngest sister works for the union were she works to help all the workers in the company and fighter for their rights. They have always been there for me when I need help which over the years has been a lot.
My mother.
My wife is definitely trying to make the world a better place. She has started a recycling program at our son’s school. She collects bottles, cans etc from parents and the neighbourhood, then she returns them and all the money goes back into my son’s school for supplies and anything that makes the classroom better for the kids.
My mom is making the world a better place. She is so thoughtful and kind, always thinking about others before herself. She is selfless and will often do without if it means someone else gets what they need. She has been a role model to me and shown me what it means to be a strong woman. I aspire to follow her example in my own life.
My Mother. She was born with a hole in her heart and was sickly for many years but didn’t know she had a hole in her heart until she was 25 and almost died. She has been a healthy sick person ever since avoiding a needed transplant even ~ and it is totally because of her positive attitude!
my friend help makes food for a youth drop in program. it is just on eof her selfless acts.
My best friend. She’s not only an elementary school teacher, but she’s a fantastic mom to two girls. She volunteers as soccer coach, and girl guides leader. She volunteers at the church, and through her school. She helped raise her two nieces who both have a very rare syndrome that doctor’s have never seen before, which has caused them to be both mentally and physically impaired. She never complains, never gets angry, and is always the first person in line to help out anyone in need. She’s a true inspiration, and someone I look up to.
My lifelong friend Karen. She’s in her 3 year, breast cancer ‘clear’..
Karen was diagnosed in the summer, she and her Mom participated in the walk. The day of the event her Mom wasn’t feeling well. Battery of tests and 9 months later, she lost her Mom to cancer.
Karen does the walk still..she volunteers with young children. She’s able to play soccor again, as well as coach…
My aunt, Colette, is simply amazing.
I mean, the fact that she is just a mother makes her amazing, but being a single, divorced, three jobs-on-the-go, mother to a 16 13 & 10 year old just makes her a little bit more then amazing. This woman is the defination of kindness. Always putting others ahead of herself. She could be having the worst day ever and you could never tell by how she carries herself or how quick she is crack a joke. Not only does she have a big heart to give her children,but she has found a love of helping gifted children in the school system. Last summer she even did a summer program with one of her gifted students. This woman is a machine! She voulenteers, babysits and is one of thee best desserts makers when it comes to family gatherings. & if you cant find her being a mom, working or doing any of the things listed, you can find her walking around town. She loves to walk. Whether alone or with friends, she always makes time for it. And in a couple weeks she is doing her first tri-athalon. (Seriously, this woman is A-MAZING!)
She never looks tired or runned down. Always fresh and ready for whatever the day is going to throw at her. She’s a mom, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, even a great aunt ( pun intended) and i sm simply blessed to have such a gem in my life.
My grandmother! She volunteers hours of her valuable time away from my grandpa who has Prostate cancer. She donates so many things to good will. She is friendly and nice to every single person she meets. She is the sweetest and strongest woman I have ever met!
I look up to my mom for giving it her all every day no matter how tough things may get.
Every mother who takes it upon herself to be a mother to those who don’t have one.
My daughter Sara is my inspiration. I am so proud of her accomplishments. She went through a very difficult year and has come through it with an amazing positive attitude.
my sister Michelle. She has gone from a fairly sedentary lifestyle, to joining a gym, then a running group. Within the span of a few years she has done mini triathlons, half marathons and just ran her first full marathon. The best part is she’s setting a great example for my niece, and has gotten her involved in running as well. I’m very proud of all she’s accomplished.
My friend volunteers at local charities and food donation centers.
I have a pregnant friend having a difficult pregnancy with some very real risks to her and baby but still handling it with optimism
My sister-in-law is my inspiration. She lost her first baby early on in the pregnancy. She very fortunately got pregnant with her second, our gorgeous nephew. Unfortunately, at a year of age, he was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer. After a difficult struggle, he passed away shortly after. Unfortunately, because of her advanced age, my SIL and brother had to look at pregnancy options very soon afterwards. They undertook several difficult rounds of IVF without success. Throughout all of this, my SIL has been an amazing pillar of strength and resilience and I am absolutely in awe of her.
my mum inspires me – she is so caring and compassionate; always thinking about those around her. she volunteers a lot in her community, and encouraged her children to follow their interests and also contribute to good causes.
My friend volunteers at homeless shelters and does hair and nails for the people there 🙂
my mom inspires me , she is a 5 time breast cancer survivor, and she is getting eldery with tons of ailments, she continues to plug away and keep going.
My colleague to making strides in the world by researching the important topic of sexual violence among women.
Any woman or man out there making strides to improve themselves are making the world a better place!
My friend is fighting cancer and has remained positive through it all. She has not let it define her, instead it has made her a stronger and very determine woman who I know will survive and go on to do great things. She can always bring a smile to someone’s face, even on days your know she is struggling.
My sister who had cancer over twenty years ago and beat it. Last year she had breast cancer and had to get one of her breast removed.
I was brought up by my maternal grandmother who I call mom. While times were tough when I was little and we definitely did not see eye to eye, she sacrificed a lot to raise me well with everything I needed. She inspires me because I know without her, my life would have been a lot more difficult.
My mom she is always giving her time, energy and love to everyone around her 🙂
I would have to say my Auntie Michelle has always been a big inspiration to me and all those around her! She never had her own children but always treated each and every one of her friends’ and family’s kids as her own. She would always be there for all of us wherever and whenever we needed her. Now in my adult years she does the same for my daughter! She organizes family and friend events, kids activities and parties and she never forgets a birthday or important date. On my birthday every year I always know there will most likely be her on my answering machine singing me Happy Birthday when I get home from work. Not only is she a fantastic inspiration she is also a widow as well as a cancer survivor. She has overcome a lot of adversity in her life that has never gotten her down. She is an amazing woman and has always been an inspirational compassionate woman
I am inspired by my sis Nadine, who is a cancer survivor. She talks openly to women about the importance of regular pap tests and encourages them to care for themselves.
I would have to say my youngest daughter, she dropped out of school in grade nine and had a baby girl that CAS took right away and put into foster care, but now my daughter is 18 soon to be 19 and her and her boyfriend are still together with their baby girl my granddaughter, she never gave up and fought for her daughter, sure they struggle but who doesn’t nowadays, But I’m proud of them, they have their own place and they know how to stay strong!!
My good friend of 10 years who has been my rock through my most difficult times is opening up her own charity to help the poor and homeless. I am helping her set it up. I think she will go very far with this!
My sister monica is always giving her time to charity whether it be school, church or national charities. She has done the MS walk for 6 years now in support of her husband who has been diagnosed with the disease. My sister is tirelessly devoted to her family and charity work. I am in awe of her devotion to changing the world!
My best friend volunteers whenever she has free time and visits senior homes.
My mom helps others all the time. Even though she is almost 70 now, she still gets together twice a week with 2 separate groups to knit and make other items to send to countries in need. She also helps out once a week preparing meals for the community at our local collective kitchen. She’s a pretty amazing lady!
my friend, Kim, is amazing. She fostered her cousin’s son and loved him immensely until one day he was placed in a different family environment. She is a director of the local food bank. She always has a smile on her face and gives me an encouraging hug when I see her.
My best friend is an amazing woman. She always has a positive outlook on life & looks for the bright side of things, even as she went through chemo. Now having survived, she is partaking in a Relay for Life to raise funds for Cancer Research.
Her optimistic outlook is catching to everyone around her.
I can’t just pick one women, there is something special and every women makes a difference, raising kids, looking after our family friends,jobs each and every women makes a difference no matter what. It could be changing the world, their town, so many things that make each one special. So I say any and every women changes the world each day. <3
I can’t just pick one inspiering women as each women is a inspiration. Each day no matter how big or small a women is inspiring me in everything they do. So every women in my life and that I meet is an inspiration 🙂 so to women all over the world thank you! <3
Fellow nurse and co-worker, Sandy R. is amazing. She is a role model as far a mom, grandmother, nurse and confidant. Sandy’s people skills are amazing. Her approaches are gentle, yet honest. She has an amazing technique of making you feel good, even when things are going horribly wrong. Her outlook on life is energetic and positive.
My Mom is my inspiration…
She won the battle with breast cancer quite a few years back.. had a breast removed.. but that’s the only thing cancer took from her.
She lived life to the fullest, and was always there if I or anyone ever needed her. She suffered a stroke almost 5 years ago.. and as she took care of me for so many years, now it is my turn to do the same for her.
She is an amazing woman, Mother and friend
My Mom got her drivers licence in her 40’s, got a job at a hospital in her 50’s and drove many times to work
25 miles each way. Upon arriving home she often went to my brother’s (her son) and did household things
for made supper as he had 2 kids whose Mom had left them behind when she moved out. She during this time
took her GED as she was 1 credit short from high school. (Dad helped lots with cooking for them when she worked)
Very special Mom
My best friend inspires me. She grew up in an abusive home but rose above by leaving when she was old enough, put herself through school. Today she is
Independent, confident, relies on no one but herself and always can turn the negative to the positive. She is my rock, my sounding board and my cheering section. I am so lucky to have found her and even more lucky that she has been part of my life for more than 20 years
I don’t know her personally but Teresa Caputo from Long Island Medium Show is helping a lot of people get there lives back together after losing their loved ones. It make their lives so much better.
My mom was unconditional love and that is an example to all of us. Thank you mom.
I’ve been so proud of my daughter and her brother. They have been making necklaces and selling them to raise funds for the “Disaster Relief” in the Phillipines.
My grandma is the most wonderful person I know. She is 83 and still volunteers 4 days a week at a Hospital thrift store.
I was in a split class in grade 3 and I also had the same teacher in grade 4 (way back in the 60’s). She was an amazing woman, my favourite teacher ever, and even when I saw her at my mom’s funeral some 45 or so years later, she recognized me, as well as my older brothers, whom she had also taught.
I think my mom is a beautiful woman, really helped me through all those days of being bullied, being told i was different.. she definitely is my rock and i’ve learned so many valuable lessons.
My mom as she always gives me encouragement and motivation to continue doing things I might not have done.
My mom is very helpful to others. Her generosity is an inspiration. She is always there to lend a hand to those in need, to donate, and to volunteer her time to local charities. Most recently, she has taken up a new cause which is helping to take care of, and find homes for feral cats, in her neighborhood. She also has a wonderful sense of humor and she brings joy and laughter to the lives of those around her.
My mother is a teacher. She has worked tirelessly for over 30 years to care for and educate special needs students. She spends tons of her free time and weekends, as well as her own money on improving the lives of those who really need it. She truly cares about her students.
My mother was so caring and understanding. She always put others before herself
My mother is a wonderful woman I wish I could be a lot more like her. She helps people all the time and goes out of her way. She gives people rides and helps them with their computer problems and often sets up their computers at no charge.
A lady that I lived next to for a year. Heather is a person that will notice when one person out of a group of 50 is not present at the event. She has a heart as big as the world and yet has time to take care of her family! She is so amazing that it is hard to put words to all that she does. She is my kindred spirit!
My neighbor is so kind and generous. She always looks out for my and my kids.