Having already won a B.C. title, Christine Jamieson is ready to take on the rest of the country.
The first Mission woman to ever win the Miss BC competition, Jamieson has decided to participate in the 2019 Miss Canada event.
“The biggest thing for me was just the fact that it’s something you really only get to experience once,” she explained, adding that becoming Miss BC in July of 2018 provided her with many opportunities to work with projects she is passionate about.
“Also, (I get) to listen and hear the stories that other people have dealt with and are passionate about.”
She said her goal in the Miss Canada competition is to “learn, listen and expand my views.”
Ever since Jamieson won the Miss BC crown, her life has become much busier.
“It’s been a crazy, insane roller-coaster ride and I love it.”
She has had the opportunity to help raise thousands of dollars for organizations she is passionate about, including the SPCA, but she focuses on groups and causes specifically related to mental health and epilepsy.
When she was younger, Jamieson went through a tough time and, although she knew something was wrong, her physicians could not pinpoint a cause. Some attributed her feelings to being a moody teenager.
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However, when she was 16, Jamieson was diagnosed with epilepsy. She was also dealing with depression.
She originally entered the Miss BC contest to share her story. Winning the pageant has allowed her to do more than that.
In November, she held a huge event in Langley, raising $15,000 for epilepsy programs, scholarships, and research within the local community.
She is now working with the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance, the BC Epilepsy Society, and the Center for Epilepsy and Seizure Education.
For the next few weeks, Jamieson will focus her attention on the Miss Canada Pageant, which runs Feb. 27 to March 3 in Quebec. She will fly there on Feb. 26.
The results of the pageant are based on three criteria – presentation, personality and online voting.
Jamieson explained that 35 per cent of the final score is judged “just doing activities throughout Quebec.”
“We go to a charity function, some tourism things around Montreal and we’re judged on our overall attitude.”
Another 50 per cent of the score is based on a contestant’s self-presentation on stage at the actual gala portion.
The final 15 per cent is based on online votes.
The public is invited to go online and vote for their favourite candidate. However, because it is a fundraiser, it costs money to vote.
“It supports the charity Opération Enfant Soleil, a charity based out of Quebec that supports child pediatric care,” Jamieson said.
To vote for Jamieson, visit misscanada.org.
While at the competition, Jamieson says she will not only represent the province, she will represent Mission.
During the past six months as Miss BC, Jamieson has travelled all over the province and is often asked about Mission.
“People really didn’t know where Mission was or what it was like. I get to say that I live in one of the best towns in the world.”
Being Miss BC has plenty of perks, but Jamieson said one thing is extra special.
“Honestly, the best part for me is I get to hear from people about how my story and my experience changed their lives – how they went through similar things that I did and they never thought they’d be able to do anything. And then, they see me and it gives them hope.
“I think that is the biggest thing I could ever ask for.”