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Moms (& Their Families) Gather For A Little Exposition

Friday May 6th, 2011, 10:15am

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Mom2Mom's Family Expo took place at the WFCU Centre on Sunday, May 1. (Photo by: Amber Lesperance)

With Mother’s Day around the corner, it was fitting for one particular group to gain some exposure.

On Sunday, May 1, Mom2Mom (M2M) held their annual Family Expo at the WFCU Centre (8787 McHugh St.) After paying $2, those attending got access to many resources, including entertainment and seminars.

“There was a good variety of entertainment on our stage,” said 40-year-old M2M owner and event organizer, Lisa Payne. “We had performances by Perry Noia the Scaredy Clown, Beebo, Laughter Yoga, the Spark ED ‘gleek’ club, a science demo and several informative seminars.”

Many booths welcomed attendees of Mom2Mom's Annual Family Expo. (Photo by: Amber Lesperance)

Over 1,500 attendees were also greeted by home businesses and a community showcase. Products ranged from fashion/jewelry and candles to photography, child care/education and baby needs. The community showcase included organizations such as Canada South Science City, Windsor Essex Children’s Aid Society and Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor.

In addition to resources for parents, there were several fundraisers going on as well.

“There were quite a few fundraising efforts going on at the expo,” said Payne. “Mom2Mom held a fundraiser by selling raffle tickets with all proceeds going to social events like our Christmas & Halloween parties and a summer picnic. These parties are attended by families in our community at no charge to them.”

A view of one of the different rooms at the M2M Family Expo. (Photo by: Amber Lesperance)

The Lung Association raised funds for their bike trek with a silent auction, Perry Noia the Scaredy Clown made animal balloons for Returns For Leukemia, Girl Guides sold cookies, the Distress Centre sold tickets to their DeStress service fundraising event and Riverfront Theatre Co. sold tickets to their production of Peter Pan. Other good deeds included LeeLee Hats sales going towards knitting equipment, used to make hats for babies in Neo-Natal Intensive Care: Group Hug Apparel sold “Rock On” t-shirts benefiting We Care For Kids.

Despite slightly lower attendance than last year, those who came had a great time thanks to people in the community helping with the event.

“People that attended our event had a great time,” said Payne. “They enjoyed our
entertainment and the variety of activities provided by our exhibitors. Windsor Fire Services had a fire truck come to our event, they let the kids sit inside and showed them the equipment that they use. They also gave out little fire helmets to the kids.”

Exhibitors provided freebies including massages, crafts for kids, educational games/activities and many prizes to win. Even so, Payne is already looking for ways to improve next year.

Owner of Glitterfly Faces Kim Hamilton facepaints Lilly, one of many children who attended the Family Expo. (Photo by: Amber Lesperance)

“As soon as the doors close at the event I start thinking about how we can grow and improve the event the following year,” she said. “For one, I would like to encourage exhibitors to think of unique activities to provide for attendees. I would also like to do a coupon book that can be used at the event and after the show.”

M2M also has two upcoming events. On May 28 their spring sale will take place at the WFCU centre, complete with more than 150 tables of gently used kid’s items. On June 18, a brand new event will be launched in Amherstburg, an M2M sale and flea market at United Communities Credit Union Complex (3295 Massen Dr.) Partnering with the arena, there will also be an early bird special where people bringing five canned goods/non perishable items will enter a half-an-hour early: Donations benefit Amherstburg Food & Fellowship mission.

For more information on the M2M community, services and upcoming events, those interested can visit their website.

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