Former Calgary Stampeder Defensive Back Keon Raymond will be speaking at a banquet in honour of single mothers on Sunday May 1 at 6:00pm at the High River Baptist Church.

He says he knows all about the plight of single mothers because he was raised by one who kept him focused on what mattered most rather than extra curricular activities.

"My Mom was tough, she was like you better be worried about those books and not girls. She always made the focus on school and sports instead of the outside things. She'd always tell me when the time comes you'll be ready for that."

He says it's an opportunity for him to speak with single mothers and let them know that what they do today will make all the difference tomorrow in the lives of their kids.

He says he will be speaking about the sacrifices his and many single moms make on behalf of their children.

"We were in low income housing and at this point we were living in a women's shelter. She didn't want things to change just because she was by herself now, she volunteered to coach every girl from the age of seven to fourteen on a cheer-leading for an organization just so they would wave their fee for me to play football."

He says he knows what it takes to be a single mother and what they go through.

"I speak about my Mom so much, she was such a warrior, she was a trooper. She was just so strong in every aspect of life. I try my best to make her proud every day of my life when I'm raising my kids and I just want to convey those thoughts to these mothers."

He says his message is one of hope and encouragement for single moms as they take on perhaps one of the most difficult roles they'll ever have.

This is a complimentary evening which will include dinner for single moms, babysitting and dinner for their kids, gift bags and some substantial door prizes.

Registration for the free event ends today.

For more information or to register:

Email: banquet@hrsm.ca

Telephone: 403-652-2985

Online: www.hrsm.ca