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CATHERINE THOMAS will pass on her crown as Miss Canada International 2009 at the
end of July. The Kelowna woman has had an interesting year, and believes the
role has given her a unique platform for sharing her faith.
“I believe God placed me in this position so that I could be a witness for him
across the nation. I have tried to love and serve people with Christ’s love. I have tried to honour him in my actions and with what I say,” said Thomas.
Her crown has taken her back and forth across Canada, speaking at a stream of
events. Thomas said her primary goal was to be a role model for young Canadian
women, “letting them know that our worth is not determined by how attractive, talented
and popular we are – but that our true worth is in the fact that we are daughters of God.”
Her home church, Kelowna Christian Centre, supported her from the beginning, and
helped sponsor her way to the competition in Toronto last year. The pageant is
not about swimsuits or talents, but focuses on education – and highlights the chosen charities of participants.
Thomas chose the NOW Canada Society. Based in Kelowna, NOW (New Opportunities
for Women) offers residential safe homes, client support and education, several
care programs and therapies, apartments, food and emergency support for women
and children in crisis – and especially those who have been victims of sexual exploitation.
Thomas said it fits with her goal to “support young women everywhere in finding their true worth and value.”
She feels strongly that, although technology has provided great resources, it
also comes with danger.
“It has enabled the media to portray a warped perspective of the perfect woman.
Hardly a day goes by where I don’t have a conversation with someone who struggles with feelings that they don’t fit the acceptable mold.”
Thomas pointed out that she can see a unique set of talents and abilities in
each one she talks to.
Most of us, she added, at one time or another, feel we aren’t good enough – and that we miss the mark of perfection.
“It is so sad that women struggle with feelings of worthlessness, and think that
their value is in their ability to make the standard held up in our media.”
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These concerns express why she picked NOW as her charity of choice. “I think it is important that all women are given a chance to find their true
worth and heal past perceptions of themselves,” said Thomas, noting that many young prostitutes have experienced neglect or
abuse in childhood. Thomas wants to help give them a chance to turn their lives
around, and experience love and hope.
It’s her faith that drives her toward these goals. “I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is more important than
anything else in my life.”
Beyond her role as Miss Canada International, Thomas hopes to work in the film
industry as an actress.
“I believe one of the strongest platforms to have your voice heard is the media,” she said. In addition, she hopes to publish books about how women can find
their worth in today’s society.
She’s working on her first book now, which offers ideas on resisting society’s stereotypes of what women are supposed to be, and outlines ways women can
support each other. She said she plans to continue using the same themes in
speaking to young women in high schools, encouraging them to help each other
find true self esteem.
Most importantly, though, she emphasized: “My life goal is to live in a way that honours and serves God.”
– Dorothy Brotherton
July 2009
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