Liz Wismer-Van Meer was born and raised in Woodstock. Her family have been in the community for over 70 years owning a number of local businesses, and they all share a deep love for this community. Liz married her high school sweetheart Mike; they have two children Addison & Quinten, their dog Trey (who they adopted two years ago) and their rabbit, Bun Buns, found in an abandoned parking lot. Liz loves being involved in the community; volunteering, working with and helping others, and giving back. Many of us came to know Liz in the time she worked with Heart FM on the morning show. She has since moved on to the not-for-profit world and is now the Resource Development Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County.
Shelley Green shared her vision for this organization just shortly after she adopted her daughter Julia while Liz was working at Heart FM. Given Liz’s aptitude at speaking to large audiences, Shelley wondered if Liz would be interested in hosting our annual fundraiser, a task Liz gladly took on. Listening to Shelley tell her story, hearing about the experiences and dire conditions that so many women and children were living in, Liz felt called to help further. Soon after, Liz was signed up. She currently holds the positions of Gems & Java Committee Member, and Gems & Java Silent Auction Committee Chair - two very busy and important roles for the team.
Liz is always moved by Shelley’s presentation at the annual Gems & Java fundraiser. Seeing the pictures, watching the videos, hearing the difference being made and seeing how far the funds being raised go motivates Liz to be involved. The first time she saw a video from the projects we are supporting was a complete eye-opener for her. There were women dancing, singing, and celebrating for things we would never consider a gift -- receiving W.R.A.P.S. (feminine hygiene products), a spice grinder so they can work, and surgery to repair a prolapsed uterus. Seeing young girls playing soccer, running, going to school and learning about healthy, active lifestyles…so many things we take for granted each and every day has truly changed how Liz views our lifestyles and the great opportunities we have simply because of the country we were born in. She realizes we are truly blessed.
She absolutely loves the amazing women and men she works with each and every year assisting in planning Gems & Java. There are many hours put into pulling this event together, but when you are in that room with a few hundred guests, seeing their emotions as they watch one of the videos for the first time and witness the difference their support is making in Ethiopia, it gives Liz goosebumps just thinking about it. Many are moved to tears. For Liz, just knowing that many lives are being changed because of the hard work and dedication of hundreds of volunteers here in Canada inspires her.
Liz believes future volunteers should check out the vision and mission of Mothers With A Heart For Ethiopia by checking out the website or Facebook; watch the videos, read about the projects we are supporting and hear the success stories. She would encourage anyone to take the opportunity to attend Gems & Java, even just once to see what it is all about. The beauty of this organization and the main event is there are so many ways to get involved and so many uses for a variety of talents and skill sets. Liz guarantees you will find something that works for you, and the difference you will make for the women and children in Ethiopia is truly life changing! Plus, there is an amazing group of volunteers to get to know. Volunteers like Liz Wismer-Van Meer.
Liz quotes Ghandi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”