Miss Canada International

Brooke obtained the title of Miss Canada International at 19 years of age and at the time of her crowning she was Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year and planned to attend University to pursue a career in criminal law.

As Miss Canada International 1997, she assisted such charities as Wish Center Chatham, Canadian Francophone of Women, Sears Promotions for Youth of Today, Kinsmen Rodeo, United Way (including climbing the CN Tower), Etobicoke General Hospital Star Gala (where she met such stars as Nolton Nash, Pierre Burton and Premier Mike Harris). Humane Society, McDonald's Charity, Dorothy Ley Hospice, Etobicoke Santa Claus Parade, Chatham's Children's Treatment Center, Leamington Tomato Festival and Chatham Canada Day Parade. Brooke traveled to Russia, PEI for the Seafest (while there she signed the City book toured many manors and hospitals), and to Calgary for the Calgary Stampede where she took part in the parade, rodeo, toured many group homes, nursing homes and elderly care homes. Brooke also spoke at and visited many schools during her reign. Brooke also appeared on The CBC TV Series Traders as a part of her prize package and received $20,000.00 in gifts in addition to the trips she took across Canada.

A Message to the Delegates

On behalf of the MCI organization, I would like to share with you my experience as Miss Canada International 1997. There are no words to describe the grandeur of this life changing experience. It took a countless

number of people to realize my dream, but as I can now say that throughout my reign, I grew-not only as a woman, but as a person, ready to take on any new challenge that would come my way.

Along my journeys through Canada, I was able to greet such wonderful Canadians as the patients at Etobicoke General Hospital and Carewest Day Hospital, the very special young adults at the William Rupert Hull Centre, Pierre Burton, the women of the Federation Canadienne de la Francophonie and thousands more.

I can honestly say that without these people, I would not have been able to take from this experience what I was meant to: A TRUE UNDERSTANDING OF MYSELF AND HOW I AFFECT OTHERS AROUND ME! I was given a most wonderful opportunity to change the lives of many people with a smile or a handshake or even just a moment of my time to listen to a story.

Many may not understand the true purpose of being MCI, and once given the chance it is too late to find out. You must understand, before accepting the title, that the gifts will be used and the crown will someday rust and crumble, but the hard work and determination, the heart and soul put into it, and the smiles and hugs you give will be kept in memory forever.

I am challenging the next MCI to give back ten-fold all that her reign will give her, for it is only then that you will understand the true meaning of being MCI!

I am again taking this opportunity to thank the three people who made my year a memorable experience....Mom, Sylvia and of course, God. Their love and guidance could never be matched. Good luck to all.

Brooke Ross
Miss Canada International 1997