This year, 90 delegates from diverse backgrounds and ages have been selected from across the country for Miss Universe Canada.
Jada Budz from Morden is one of them.
The beauty pageant, an annual event, is Canada’s official representative in the Miss Universe competition, considered one of the world's foremost pageants.
In addition to looking forward to competing in the pageant, Budz is also using the opportunity to dispel some misconceptions about what it means to be a part of one.
‘I feel very fortunate’
For Budz, who has pageant experience from her teenage years (something she said she enjoyed immensely), the opportunity to be involved in Miss Universe Canada is a thrilling one.
“I thought [the pageant I competed in as a teenager] was going to be my last one, [but] they actually changed the rules,” she said. “Now married women can compete, mothers can compete — there are women of all different ages. There's a beautiful, diverse group of women.”
Clearing up misconceptions
For Budz, pageants are often accompanied by false impressions that she seeks to dispel.
“I feel like there is a misconception about pageants that they're all about the outer appearance,” she said. “When I was in one, I just found the sisterhood so amazing, so empowering. I learned so many skills that I still take with me today.”
Budz said that she “loves” what pageants represent and the people she becomes close to during the rehearsals and competition.
“I think when you look at a pageant, you see just the surface and not what it all entails. Going to these rehearsals with these amazing women, you really get to know who they are,” she said, noting that one of her closest contacts in Miss Universe Canada is a rancher who also works in mines using explosives.
“We really connected because we both work with animals, and we both work very hard at what we do. We're very passionate,” she said. “I have to give such credit to the organization, too. They choose women who are just very genuine people.”
First from the area
As Budz becomes more and more acquainted with Miss Universe Canada, she “really, really hopes” that she is afforded the opportunity to represent the Pembina Valley and Canada overall.
As far as she knows, no one from the area has ever entered the pageant.
For the contest hopeful, pursuing the title is also about honouring the women who have inspired her, including her mother.
“She helped found the [Pembina Valley] Humane Society. We had over 267 fosters through our home as she was founding it, and having those dogs around me really shaped who I am today,” she said.
The role of fundraising
For Budz, beyond sisterhood and representing her community, another motivation for being involved with Miss Universe Canada is tied to raising funds for charities, which is a core value of the organization.
“This year, as a whole group, our goal is to raise $300,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association,” she said. “I honestly think we're going to surpass it because the women this year ... are extremely hard working and dedicated.”
The delegate says that she is putting her “whole heart” into fundraising because she believes the charity “resonates with so many people.”
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Budz’s fundraising efforts have begun this weekend at Town ‘N Country Grooming in Morden. She has been selling hand-crafted bracelets made of recycled denim, Canada-themed dog bandanas, as well as offering walk-in pet nail trims for $10 and nail trims with polish for $15.
“I'm also giving out a free Canada Day cookie to any pup that comes in,” she said. “I have a milk bone cookie with maple syrup frosting with some duck jerky on top.”
The pageant process
As Budz begins her fundraising efforts, the following steps include a trip to Windsor, Ontario, in early August, where she will compete in the preliminaries of Miss Universe Canada.
Categories at the pageant include evening gown, swimsuit, and cultural costume.
Budz said that she will make her cultural garment herself, which will pay homage to her Ukrainian roots.
Entry to the top 25 of Miss Universe Canada is by votes. To cast yours for Budz, follow the instructions here.
- With files from Jayme Giesbrecht -