From experience, I have a few words of advice. Pageant week in Toronto is incredible and exciting however before you arrive make sure you are organized, rested and prepared. I made a check list of everything I needed to do. I made sure I was packed early and didn't leave anything to the last minute. It is a lot of work but is very important as when you arrive in Toronto your schedule is filled with outings, rehearsals, dinners, appearances s, etc. -you want to be ready.

Also, very important, leave your expectations and ego at home. You are coming to Miss Canada International week to make friends, have fun, represent yourself to the best of your ability and to discover if the position of Miss Canada International is suitable for you. I say position as Miss Canada International because it is a very important role as an ambassador of Canada, spokesperson for charities and as a role model for young people. The title requires true sincerity, dedication and unselfishness. Be prepared to be the next MCI or to enjoy the happiness of the winner. If you keep this in mind you will enjoy pageant week to the fullest. Also be proud of who you are and never be intimidated by others, remember you are not there to judge but to be a delegate.

My year as Miss Canada International 2002 has been incredible, my pride for our country has been enriched, and the people I have met are amazing and the experience invaluable. I feel I have matured and seen so much in just one year. I thank Sylvia for being such a special friend -  you are the true spirit of MCI and your dedication is immeasurable. Rowley for all your support, my Mom, Dad, Noel and Daryl - I love you all. All my friends for their understanding of my busy schedule,. The rest of the MCI family and sponsors, without you MCI would not be possible, and most importantly God for his guidance every step of the way.

I look forward to seeing you in Toronto and sharing this amazing experience with you!

Tara Hall
Miss Canada International 2002
 

How many people can say they attended more than 200 charitable events, spoke at schools and hospitals, appeared on Mike Bullard, were warmly welcomed into cities across the country, danced with Nelson Mandela in the South African desert and turned the lights on Niagara Falls. I can! Without achieving the position of Miss Canada Int’l I would never hold these experiences and life enriching journeys.

As my year concluded as Miss Canada Int’l 2002 I was offered a talk show host position on Rogers Television – Simcoe Grey “Daytime.” With a background in Broadcast Journalism this was an ideal transition for me. I enjoyed a wonderful 2003 season with “Daytime” and then decided to return to Toronto and work a freelance host and traffic reporter. Over the next 3 years I appeared on OMNI 2, CMT, Rogers Television and CFRB 1010 as an airborne traffic reporter. I also came on board with Sugarcain Entertainment as a freelance entertainment writer.

My daughter Trinity was born on July 4^th, 2005 and I now had a new role --- motherhood! Over the next year I took some time to think about where I wanted to return professionally and what would work with my parenting schedule. In 2006 I accepted a position at Crush, Toronto. Crush is a directorial collective and production company specializing in concept, design, visual effects and post production. Our recent work includes the award winning viral campaign for Douglas Coupland’s latest novel The Gum Thief and the two most recent music videos for R.E.M.; Hollow Man and Man-Sized Wreath, both singles from their new album ACCELERATE. My position as a junior producer is challenging and rewarding.

within my free time I volunteer for various charitable organizations such as Daily Bread Food Bank and Alli’s Journey. Also I am the creator of “Jolly Jam:’tis the season with reasons to party” a holiday fundraiser. I attend Stone Church in Toronto and work with the young children.
My year as Miss Canada Int'l 2002 will always remain a treasured memory. Sylvia Stark and the MCI Team/Volunteers across the country were warm and generous. I am very proud to continue to support this great organization.