Kamloops model competing for Miss Universe Canada

KAMLOOPS– Kayla Mckay started her modelling career when she was 15, and now she hopes to be the first Miss Universe Canada winner from Kamloops.

“She’s been amazing. She’s been able to travel the world she gotten fully educated in travelling and understanding different cultures,” Mckay’s grandfather Gene told CFJC Today. “We are very proud of her.”

Mckay is passionate about her humanitarian projects, including her work with Bodhi School in India and adoption advocacy. She hopes Miss Universe Canada will mean more exposure for her causes.

“We’ve raised, I think, $50,000 in three months, so if I do get Miss Universe Canada, imagine what we could do in a year,” Mckay said.

During the pageant, contestants will be judged on multiple categories including evening gown, national costume and swimwear. The contestants will also be judged on their ability to answer interview questions.

But as much as pageant queens are known for their beauty, Mckay believes it’s a lot more than that and hopes to do a lot of good with the title.

“I think Miss Universe Canada means different things to everyone. To me, it’s showcasing adoption advocacy that I’m a huge part of and it’s getting me in front of those people who are really change-makers in the world,”

The Miss Universe Canada pageant will begin on August 17 in Vancouver, with the finals on August 19.

The competition can be live-streamed on the Miss Universe Canada YouTube page.

To vote for Mckay as Miss Universe Canada’s People’s Choice, click here.