About Abigail: Abigail became the youngest licensed Aquafit Instructor to join Canadian Aquafit Leadership Alliance with certifications in National Lifeguard Service, First Aid, Red Cross and Instructors. Within a year of instructing at Bally's Fitness and Sports Club of Canada, Disney Cruise Line discovered her and in a month Abigail flew to Orlando, Florida, all expenses paid, to embark on a magical journey aboard the Disney Magic - a seven-day cruise to the Eastern and Western Caribbean! Nearing the end of her contract, Abigail received an invitation to study in a new program at University of Toronto, known as CCIT, where she specializes in Art & Art History and Visual Culture & Communication in collaboration with Sheridan Institute of Arts and Design. Abigail plans to pursue a Masters Degree in Art Therapy and open a boutique resort clinic north of Toronto.

Interests: Abigail is a vibrant member in the Art community. She began her musical studies with the Royal Conservatory of Music at age four, advanced with several Honors and Distinctions and performed as a concert pianist. During elementary school she studied drawing with the Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School, founded by the Group of Seven, at the Art Gallery of Ontario and graduated in their Advance Studio in Visual Arts for Youth. She has since placed in the semi-finals in Ikea’s Teen Interior Design Competition, been featured in government funded organizations and published a short story, Carol, on display at the Ottawa Reference Library. Abigail loves cooking for family and loved ones, caring for children and the elderly, visiting art museums and operas, participating in athletic and seasonal sports, and undertaking new projects. She is taking International Ballroom Dancing and enrolling in the Sport of Kings, Fencing, in the Summer of 2006.


What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

On a White Water Rafting excursion in Ottawa, my lips turned icy blue, my fingers changed into a dark shade of purple and I couldn’t stop shivering. My legs became numb and lost all sensation in my feet. I forced myself to take one step after another across the stony shore until I reached the side of the cliff. It felt like I floated across to the jagged rocks instead of walking. Within minutes, I climbed on to the top of the cliff- thanks to the mountain climbing classes that summer.

I took one look at the extreme vertical drop, incredible rapids and the beautiful Canadian scenery, and I thought to myself, “It’s now or never”, took a deep breath and leaped off the side. Within seconds, I plunged into the Ottawa River and the fast racing rapids swept me a good 120 ft away from the site, I swam against the plunging water towards the nearest shore bank.

Many other rafters followed my lead and the supportive OWL staff couldn’t contain their excitement when seeing our love for being one with nature. Looking back, Cliff jumping is perhaps the craziest thing I’ve ever done.

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over the past two years?

In the past, I have volunteered in Yee Hong’s Wellness Centre, ran for Terry Fox, raised money for United Way, Multiple Sclerosis and Uniceif, and assisted Baby Dragon Ball as the President of the Entertainment Committee. I’ve been an ongoing supporter for Peter Munk’s Cardiac Centre, Sick Kids and Cancer Research & Development. After my Aunt Joyce’s thirty-year battle with Breast Cancer, I trained and joined the CIBC Breast Cancer Foundation in 2005. I am an advent contributor to Natural Disaster Relief and in the near future would like to increase my contribution to Make-a-wish Foundation for kids.

What would be your "dream job" in life?

My dream job in life is to become an Art Therapist, in which I may promote visual communication through painting, drawing, sculpture and art performance to overcome language, emotional and psychological barriers. As well, I hope counsel those who desire a healthy and wholesome lifestyle with my expertise from Canadian Aquafit Leadership Alliance, Canadian Fitness Professionals and Nutrition at University of Toronto. The boutique hotel, just North of Toronto, will be filled with my very own masterpieces which will be auctioned off annual with the proceeds going to charitable organizations.

On my spare time, I would like to visit poverty stricken areas to learn their language and way of living so I may, in return, assist them in the way I can. I enjoy an all encompassing job that challenges me to new heights and pushes me to learn new skills.

Name one personal accomplishment (in addition to being a Miss Universe Canada contestant) that makes you especially proud.

In 2000, I stopped at San Francisco for a weekend before travelling to Taipei, Taiwan to attend my eldest cousin’s wedding. What started as a week long celebration turned into a five month stay due to a contract with one of the island’s most magnificent hotels, Grand Hyatt Taipei. I joined their team as a junior graphic designer and became the newest member on their marketing committee by day and studied Ancient Chinese History and Linguistics at the University of Taipei by noon.

Nothing can ever compare to the experience of watching the sunrise while practicing Tai Chi or learning an ancient traditional sword dance; walking through the open street market filled with lively seafood, vegetables and fruit dealers; following the aroma of fresh oven baked pastries, tofu and soy milk before seven. I enjoyed my time in my hometown and I’m very grateful that at the end of August, I graduated with a G.P.A of 4.0 and completed my fourth year internship course for Design School during my first year, international style.

What is the most important thing you want people to know about you?

I am a very cheerful person by nature. My name in Hebrew means “Fountain of Joy”. People say I bloom wherever I’m planted and I bring out the best in them. I welcome future challenges, adventures and triumphs with open arms, open mind and an open heart.

What is your favorite movie, song, sport, and food?

Dil Chahta Hai is a fun, inspiring and dynamic film from India based on three very special friends and their personal quest on finding true love. Pachebel Canon in C minor is my most beloved song when played in strings accompanied with ocean waves. The tempo is soothing and the composition elegant.

I enjoy individual sports that are physically strenuous such as running, swimming and cross country skiing. As for food, I love eating healthy. A glass of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and plain yogurt mixed with wildflower honey on a bed of granola is simply delicious.

What would you like to accomplish if you win the Miss Universe Canada title?

In my words, Miss Universe Canada is a gifted individual with an acute awareness and desire to help others. She travels on a passionate quest to draw the proper media coverage and promote her chosen health and world issue which concerns her deeply. Although a cure might be on the brink of discovery, her smile, laughter and presence assures everyone that solution may be sooner than later. She is a pleasant, well-mannered, modern day lady who carries herself well in public events and private functions. Her humility and meekness precede her.

Inwardly, she values herself and is recognized because of her character, honour, talent and beauty. Upon winning the title of Miss Universe Canada, I would like to thank my friends and family for their encouragement and outstanding support. Following that, I want to promote Canada’s rich cultures, beautiful natural resources and generous spirit to the rest of the world. My aspiration is to be an ambassador for my homeland of which Canadians can be proud.

A motto that has served you as inspiration.

“The best is yet to come”



Back to Contestants' Gallery

 

 ©2006 A 'Beauties of Canada' Production