There are not many things that can be compared to a mother who is determined to protect and care for her children.

The fight and vigour are heightened even more when there is the push to give the children a better life than she had experienced. Maggi, in an effort to do what they do best — add flavour, went in search of one such woman and found the vibrant and spirited Dianne “Fay” Witter, a vendor at Coronation Market in Kingston.

“Mother’s Day is always a big occasion and widely celebrated, but for us at Maggi, we wanted to make an impact. It is important that, especially, mothers without support know just how much they are appreciated and that they are the true backbone for our nation,” shared Maggi’s Regional Marketing Manager Ockino Petrie.

Witter said she was a bit surprised when she was approached for an interview, but she was ready, especially when she heard it was about her prized possessions – her children. She was also told that there would be a prize, which was not disclosed.

The entrepreneur is greatly admired in her circle. Interestingly, it was a group of men who perform similar tasks who highlighted her drive and ambition. They shared that, while they have encountered several vendors over the years, they are in awe of the countless sacrifices she continues to make to ensure her children and grandchildren achieve success.

Witter is a mother of four and a grandmother of five. She has had big dreams for her children even before they were born. As they finished their primary education, she realised that she needed to find a way to support them as their father decided he would not.

“I cried and cried because I did not see any way out and I did not want them to suffer,” she shared.

Witter’s brother, who realised his sister was sinking into depression offered to give her ‘a start’ and so he gave her funds that she later used to buy produce for the market.

It was by no means an easy feat, but Witter was determined to make ends meet. She spoke of a traumatic experience where she had to sleep on her produce on the steps of a bank in Christiana, Manchester. Much to her surprise, armed men attempted to break into the bank but were thwarted by the police.

“All that was in my mind during the shoot-out was that I was going to die and leave my hungry-belly children,” she shared.

“Ms Witter’s story was a heartfelt one and we wanted to ensure that we gave her a memorable experience, given all the sacrifices that she had to endure,” Petrie said.

Maggi bought all the produce Witter had at her stall, valuing in excess of $80,000 and then donated them to the Bustamante Hospital for Children to provide meals for the children.

After the surprise purchase, Witter was invited on an excursion by the Maggi team, which she accepted, as she silently said a secret prayer of protection.

“I was told that I would not be put into any danger and I just trusted God and went,” she chuckled.

Beaming from ear to ear, Fay, as she is affectionately called, said she was confused but curious as they drove up to the Etal store. Going inside was even more thrilling for her as she slowly soaked up the atmosphere of the style of the eclectic store adorned with pieces inspired by Africa. She took pleasure in choosing a red statement dress that was modest enough to represent her Christian beliefs but also made her see herself in a way she has never seen before.

She was also taken to Jencare Skin Farm Day Spa where she was pampered and made to feel special. “I remember saying to myself, ‘I have never, in all my days, thought I would ever experience these things.’ ”

Little did she know there was more to come — another stop with the sweetest surprise fit for the mom who makes the ultimate sacrifice. All dolled up and ready to go, Witter was chauffeured to Broken Plate where it was suggested that she was set to have dinner with a representative from Nestle Jamaica Limited. After being greeted and then seated, Witter was spun into a reverie of surprise when three of her children entered, all greeting her with jubilance and fanfare.

Witter’s children were overwhelmed with joy. They shared that she deserved it all as she had dedicated her entire life to them. Her daughters aspire to be like her, and her son, who is the youngest, said he is working hard to ensure that he can give her the life she deserves.

According to Witter, “After all that happened on the day, that was the best part for me — seeing my children.”

With a heart of gratitude and pride, Witter shared that it is important that mothers do their best to take care of their children. She said she is pleased and comforted in the fact that she has done and continues to do her best for her offspring and that they are now able to take care of themselves.