[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Hemmer_Nicole.jpg” caption=”First-year kinesiology student Nicole Hemmer is a contestant in the Miss World Canada pageant. Photo courtesy of Nicole Hemmer.”]If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then Nicole Hemmer would be beauty with a purpose. The first-year kinesiology student is among 40 Canadian women competing in the Miss World Canada pageant in Toronto next month. The winner of the competition will represent Canada at the Miss World pageant in Ukraine this September.

“It's something I always aspired to be in,” said Hemmer. “I like to articulate myself and express my opinions. It's not just beauty and brains. You have to have personality…you have to be able to present yourself in the right way.”

Although this will be Hemmer's first pageant, she won't be hiring a pageant trainer. She has already taken a night course in leadership and public speaking to help her prepare for the interview portion of the competition. One of the pillars of her platform is raising awareness of bullying in schools.

Hemmer has been involved in a long list of extra-curricular and volunteer activities. She played competitive basketball for 10 years. As a volunteer at McMaster Children's Hospital, she spent time with young patients “to help take their minds off their problems.” She also works at McMaster's Facility Services as a key clerk.

Established in 1951, the Miss World pageant is the oldest and largest live annual beauty pageant. It's motto is “beauty with a purpose,” and over the past 25 years, the pageant has raised more than $400 million US for children's charities around the world.

This year's Miss World Canada pageant is raising money for SOS Children's Villages Canada. The funds will go toward the construction of a new village in Ondangwa, Namibia. The contestant that raises the most amount of money for the charity will earn a spot as a semifinalist.

Visitors to the Miss World Canada website can vote for their favourite contestant between Feb. 15 and March 13. The contestant who receives the most votes will receive the People's Choice Award and a spot in the top 15.

Hemmer needs to raise $1,600 for the pageant's entry fee, which covers hotel accommodations, meals, transportation and other expenses.
If you're interested in making a financial contribution or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Hemmer at nicolehemmer@sympatico.ca