SURREY - Regina resident Annora Bourgeault, 21, was crowned Miss World Canada during a coronation gala Sunday at Surrey's Bell Performing Arts Centre.
The Miss World Canada pageant touts the philosophy "Beauty with a Purpose", and while 41 final contestants walked their way through a bikini show, an international costume competition and an evening gown viewing, at the heart of the competition was a philanthropic spirit.Over the year, the 41 girls and women on the Miss World Canada 2014 roster helped raise more than $67,000 for Variety -The Children's Charity. A cheque for the amount raised was presented at the gala to Variety's executive director, Bernice Scholten, from the pageant girls, headed by Miss World Canada 2013 winner Camille Munro.The evening was full of entertainment, kicking off at 7 p.m. with the 16-year-old Ria Jade performing for the crowd of around 350 people. The talent portion of the competition saw Miss World Canada delegates performing various talents, including Jasmine Vega in a cheerleading routine, Lisa Xie singing opera and first-runner-up Erica Virk performing a traditional Indian dance solo. Robin Reichman, former star of the Real Housewives of Vancouver, performed for the crowd as well, singing Willie Nelson's "Crazy," made famous by Patsy Cline.Mary Zilba, also a former Housewives personality, and Miss Ohio 1986, did an off the-cuff rendition of "Amazing Grace" when put on the spot by one of the gala's hosts.A few minor technical difficulties had the coronation running a little later than expected. It was closer to 11 p.m., not the anticipated 9:30 p.m., when Miss World Canada as named, with Bourgeault beating out Virk in the final moments. Bourgeault will go on to represent Canada at the Miss World competition later this year.