Pitt Meadows resident Carla Wayes will compete against 44 other contestants this week for the title of Miss B.C.
The contestants spend three days preparing for the event and receive professional training in many areas, including modeling, a self-defense class, manners and etiquette, interview skills training, public speaking training, assertiveness training, choreography and stage deportment.
The Miss B.C. Pageant is a charity event that supports Cops for Cancer, of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Last year’s pageant raised more than $34,000 for the cause.
The current Miss B.C., Tara Teng, has traveled all across Canada during her year, promoting awareness on stopping human trafficking.
She met with the Prime Minister in Ottawa to discuss Canada’s role in this issue.
“Miss B.C. is a voice of reason and reaches out to others,” says pageant director Darren Storsley. “Each year the winner of Miss B.C. chooses a platform and uses the popularity of her title to help and educate others.”
Other Miss B.C.s have dedicated their years to promote awareness of blood donation, children with disabilities, child abuse and breast cancer.
“I am proud of the direction of the Miss B.C. pageant and each year the winner takes it to even greater heights and uses the title as a venue for hope and for change,” Storsley adds.
The Miss B.C. talent show and evening gown presentation takes place Friday, July 1 at 6 p.m. and the grand finale takes place on Sunday, July 3 at 6 p.m. Both events will be held at the Chief Sepass Theatre, 9096 Trattle Street, Fort Langley.