Roxanne Koscielny said she couldn鈥檛 cry because her makeup wasn鈥檛 waterproof.

The local mama, who lives outside of Vernon, received a special gift for Valentine鈥檚 Day in 琉璃神社.

Koscielny was given a revamped 2002 Saturn SL2 as part of a Mamas for Mamas project. The car was given away Wednesday morning at Paragon Motors, who donated $2,400 worth of labour and provided new tires for the car.

鈥淚t just gives me that little extra to be able to drive my kids around and take them places and my daughter wants to go to work so I can drive her to work鈥� it just helps with day to day life,鈥� said the mother of three.

Related: Mamas for Mamas founder survives, finds new lease on life

Koscielny was nominated for the car from her childhood friend, Heidi Dilello, who has been Koscielny鈥檚 best friend since Grade 8.

Koscielny and her daughter Aiyana Bullock released balloons into the sky after getting the keys to the car, saying it was in memory of her son, who died in November.

鈥淚t was really special to me because, my son passing away, we released balloons for his service so that meant a lot to be able to do that again today. I feel like he鈥檚 watching over and that he鈥檚 here right now,鈥� said Koscielny.

Candace Chisholm, chief community officer for Mamas for Mamas, said this is the first time the organization has given away a car in collaboration with other community partners, but she expects it will continue.

Related: From humble beginnings, Mamas for Mamas keeps growing

鈥淪he鈥檚 a very deserving mom, she鈥檚 trying her best and she just had no vehicle and it was an obvious choice for us. It was so beautiful to see that (she鈥檚) able to move forward from some of the things she had encountered this past year,鈥� she said. 鈥淪he鈥檚 expressed a couple times how this is going to change her life for the good.鈥�

Drew Henderson, one of the owners of Paragon Motors, wanted to donate the car to someone outside of the mechanic shop鈥檚 immediate clients.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been a long process but it鈥檚 been worth it, just to see the look on Rox鈥檚 face,鈥� he said.

House of Rose Winery donated the car, McGrath Auto Supply donated $1,025 in parts, Aacme Towing donated a year鈥檚 worth of roadside assistance, The Co-operators Insurance donated $500 worth of auto insurance, Henderson donated a spa package from Richelle鈥檚 Day Spa, Baby and Me donated the car seat, Mamas for Mamas donated a $100 gift card to Orchard Park Mall and The Tickle Trunk and TTM Events donated the memorial balloons.

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carli.berry@kelownacapnews.com
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