With files from Williams Lake Tribune
It’s been a couple of weeks since her coronation but Anna Dell is still gushing over her big win at the 2012 Miss Canada International pageant.
“I am so blessed and so thankful. It’s still all a dream. The first day I woke up in my own bed after winning, I had to pinch myself,” said Dell who returned home to Williams Lake July 12 afternoon after being awarded the crown July 8 in Mississauga, Ont.
Dell, a former B.C. ambassador and Williams Lake Stampede Miss Congeniality, joined 23 other contestants at the annual pageant to crown a new Miss Teen Canada, Miss Canada International and Miss International Woman.
Of her win she said, “I am absolutely honoured to receive the national title. It’s an incredible opportunity. It’s going to be a very busy job and will be a lot of hard work.”
She was also the winner of the “Best Decorated Shoe” competition. Dell says she chose a cowboy boot as it is representative of Williams Lake and painted it to look like the B.C. landscape with provincial symbols.
“I put many hours into it and I was very proud of it,” she said.
Dell is now officially the Canadian ambassador of the Teddy Bears of Hope campaign. She’s also taken on the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and the Rick Hansen Foundation as charities she will promote during her reign.
With the win, Dell will defer attending the University of British Columbia’s dietician program for one year as her Miss Canada International position is a full-time volunteer commitment.
As for why she decided to pursue the competition, Dell says she wanted another opportunity to represent the country and her generation and to act as a voice for community involvement.
“Being a contestant in these programs that is the greatest learning experience. The title obviously comes with a lot of opportunity and a lot of growth as well,” she added.
Dell expects to spend much of the next year travelling.
One of her first appearances as Miss Canada International was the crowning of Miss Quesnel during Billy Barker Days, July 15. She also attended the Lytton Ambassador coronation.
She’s decided to visit all the provinces and territories and beyond and is waiting to see what her instructions are from the Miss Canada International organization.
If local organizations would like Dell to attend an event she says they should make a request through Miss Canada International as there are formal procedures for requesting her attendance.
“I would love to get involved with the community.”