The provincial government is attempting to right a wrong after the monthly support income of a single, mother of three was placed in jeopardy following a generous gift from a radio station.
Local radio station CJAY 92 picked Nicole Daugherty to be the recipient of a ‘secret wish’ after she was nominated for the prize. Nicole is unable to bring home an income as her three-year-old child has severe brain damage and requires full time care.
Radio staff surprised the mother of three with gift cards, presents (including gifts for Nicole's nine-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter) and $1,000 in cash.
Nicole receives $1,020 in income support each month from the province, an amount she says the family can survive on with careful budgeting.
Following the radio station’s gift, the province said the cash was income and informed Nicole her January support payment would be cut in half. The move contradicts Alberta's rules which allow for a person to accept an annual gift of up to $900 without penalty. A family of four would be entitled to receive $3,600 without jeopardizing income support.
Public outcry on social media brought exposure to Nicole’s plight and the province announced it had reversed its decision.
On Tuesday, Nicole was told she would receive her regular support payment in January.
A representative from Premier Prentice’s offer arrived at the Daugherty home on Christmas Eve with gifts for the family.
"It's really nice that people have come forward and brought us presents and tried to do their best to make this a good Christmas for us," said Nicole.
