Business owner Angel Burgess, of A2Z Shoes and Accessories, has seen first hand how challenging and stressful the holiday period can be for struggling families, especially mothers.

She recently came up with the idea to host a contest called ‘Mother’s Day in December’, giving deserving moms the chance at winning a full make over, as well as some unique gifts to make them feel special.

Five other St George’s businesses loved the idea and jumped on board to help make the competition a success.

Ms Burgess told The Royal Gazette this was her way of giving back to the amazing women in the community.

“Owning my own shop I see women and mothers come in here all the time who say they can’t afford to buy anything because they lost their job,” she said. “They wonder how they are going to be able to get gifts for their children at Christmas.

“I knew I had to do something to help them and sent five of my friends who also own their own businesses an e-mail to see if they wanted to get involved. They all said ‘Yes, let’s do it!’.”

Ms Burgess, a mother of two, said she always tries to do something for others at this time of year.

“I am a small-business owner so am not rich, but I always try to give something because I know there are people out there having a hard time, not just financially but some are struggling just to do right, raise their children right and be an example.

“You are working hard and then have to come home and raise your children to the best of your ability.”

She encouraged people of all ages to write in about why their mom or family member deserves to be recognised.

The competition will run from now until next Thursday, with the winner being announced at a special event on December 15.

There will be a prize for first, second and third place submissions, but only the top winner will get awarded a full make over — complete with hair done by Impression Salon, an outfit from A2Z’s and make up by Chrysalis.

They will also receive cupcakes from Sweet Saak Bakery, accessories from Touche’ and a gift package from Mystiques.

Ms Burgess said she wanted the winning mom to understand she isn’t alone in her struggle and to know there are mothers in a similar boat.

“It’s difficult being a mom and even for me I don’t have time to sit down and talk to other moms, but I know that I am not the only one having these struggles,” she said.

“I want the lucky winner to feel really special that day and maybe get a babysitter and have a good time out.

“She gets to choose what day she wants to do the make over so it can coincide with a special occasion like a wedding or something, as long as its used within the next year.”

The winner will be announced at a special event at A2Z’s and Sweet Saak Bakery, located right next to each other in St George’s, on December 15 from 5pm until 8pm.

“The winner has to be present at the event to win so we are going to encourage mothers to come out that day and just relax with their friends or partner,” she said.

Entry letters need to be dropped off at one of the following locations: A2Z, Impression Hair Salon, or Mystiques by next Thursday (December 12).