The Warehouse finds New Zealand’s “Mother of the Year”

4th May 2015

The Warehouse finds New Zealand’s “Mother of the Year”

An extra special Mother’s Day for one deserving Kiwi mum

The Warehouse’s annual search for New Zealand’s “Mother of the Year” saw a record 5,500 deserving mums nominated from across the country, with Kim Willis from Porirua announced the winner for 2015.

Kim said she feels honoured to have been named New Zealand’s most deserving mum. “Firstly, I feel honoured that my daughter nominated me, but I’m also honoured and humbled that The Warehouse chose me; there are lots of good mums doing amazing things, so I’m truly thankful.”

Kim has seven children, aged 2.5 to 26, as well as two grandchildren and two more on the way. Her biggest joy is “seeing their different personalities, watching them grow and loving them”.

It was Kim’s oldest daughter, Crystal, who nominated her and called to give her the good news. “I was actually on my way to The Warehouse when Crystal called to tell me I’d won. I was so surprised; I still don’t think it’s sunk in,” said Kim.

The Warehouse CEO, Simon Turner, said, while there were thousands of wonderful nominations, Kim stood out because she embodies what it means to help New Zealand families flourish.

“Kim works tirelessly for her extended ‘families’ – when nominating Kim, Crystal said she is a mother to whomever walks in her door, she sits on the local school board, helps on school trips, runs a local playgroup, and supports new and young mums in the community.”

Crystal added, “Her life is selfless, she is the last person to ask for anything, and she does it all for free!”

Kim has won $8,000 in prizes: $5,000 to spend at The Warehouse and a $3,000 Green Acres voucher.

“The first thing I’ll buy is a new microwave; mine gave up two weeks ago, so the timing is perfect. I’d also love to get a bigger freezer, and maybe I’ll treat myself to some perfume,” said Kim.

Mr Turner said the company was delighted that so many people got behind this year’s competition, which has run for the past three years, and continues to grow in popularity.

“Mums have been shopping with us for three decades, and families have been buying their Mother’s Day gifts from us for just as long, so this competition is a small way of showing our appreciation.”

The Warehouse has been a favourite shopping destination of Kiwi mums for over 30 years – meeting all families’ needs under one roof and offering everyday essentials at affordable prices. With 92 stores and online shopping, The Warehouse reaches every corner of New Zealand.

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