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Making a world of difference with Surrey's own Miss World Canada

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SOUTH SURREY — When she first arrived in Canada nine years ago, Lisa Xie's English wasn't that good. She had a tough time trying to express herself to others and sought help to improve her grasp of the language. That help came in the form of an afterschool camp funded by Variety Children's Charity and speaking to Xie today, you'd never know English was her second language.

Fast forward nearly one decade and the 18-year-old Semiahmoo Secondary student is now up as a finalist for Miss World Canada and is wanting to give back to the community and organization that helped her become who she is today.

As such, Xie will be hosting a Variety Children's Charity show in Surrey this weekend, with all proceeds going to the charity.

"They helped me when I first came to Canada, so this was a good time for me to give back to the organization and community that helped me so much," she said.

To do that, Xie is using her status as a Miss World Canada finalist to bring the community together for an evening of entertainment.

"We'll have local and other artists from Greater Vancouver coming, there will be lots of dancing and singing and other performances," said Xie. "People can come, donate a small amount of money and enjoy a great show."

On top of the entertainment, the event will also feature refreshments from local sponsors, and other donated goods will be up for grabs in a silent auction.

"It was really nice to have the community support and have everyone donating either goods, materials or money to the event," said Xie. "All proceeds will go towards Variety and everything is coming together and I'm just so happy."

And while most Grade 12 students would argue they have enough on their plate, Xie said she never gave that any consideration when she started planning the event, as she simply wanted to give back to the community that's been her home for the last near-decade.

"I've always been involved in a lot of community work, I've tried to have a good impact on the area's youth because, as the youngest Miss World Canada finalist, I want to make sure that my generation gets the best they deserve," said Xie. "Even though it could be stressful, I keep on track and keep plugging away and it will all come together. I've had experience organizing small events in previous years, but this is my first big event."

Xie has also received support from her fellow Miss World Canada candidates, several of whom will be in attendance, and B.C. Premier Christy Clark has even sent Xie a letter of support.

"With Miss World Canada 2014 finalist, Lisa Xie, as tonight's host, highlighting a diverse group of talented local performers, I have no doubt everyone here is in for an unforgettable evening of entertainment," wrote Clark in her letter.

"I understand the funds raised will go to benefit Variety, an incredible charity devoted to enriching the lives of children with special needs. This is certainly a worthy organization and everyone here can enjoy themselves knowing they are lending support to a great cause."

As for the final stretch of her beauty competition, Xie said she's more than ready to take part and is hopeful she'll beat out the remaining 42 finalists to become this year's Miss World Canada.

If anything, Xie will enjoy a home advantage as the finals are set to be held in Surrey at the Bell Performing Arts Centre on May 11.

To meet Xie and her fellow Miss World Canada finalists, and to support a good cause, check out Xie's Variety Children's Charity show. It will take place Saturday, April 5 at the White Rock Baptist Church (1657 140th St., Surrey). Admission to the event is $5 and tickets can be purchased at the door, or online here. For more information about the event, contact Lisa Xie at Lisa.Xie@missworldcanadacom.

cpoon@thenownewspaper.com