Ryerson University student using pageant win to advocate for underprivileged kids
January 6, 2020
A frequent visitor to Guyana during school breaks, Emily Singh became sympathetic to disadvantaged people’s plight in Third World countries.
Born and raised in Canada where many things are taken for granted, she couldn’t understand why citizens had to endure some many inconveniences and shortcomings.
“There was this young girl who came to the home I stayed at to get ice every day,” she recalled. “I later learnt her home didn’t have a fridge which is something we’re used to in a developed country. We also visited orphanages where we spent the entire day. That was very humbling and touching for me.”
With the help of family and friends, Singh spearheaded an Xmas collection drive that ended on December 24. Toys, school supplies, non-perishable food and hygienic products were delivered to children in Better Hope where Singh’s maternal family members reside.
The proud pageant winner
She’s also using her platform as Miss West Indian Canadian to advocate for underprivileged children facing hardships in the only English-speaking country in South America.
The 10th annual pageant took place last October and she was sponsored by Satishwar Persaud of Adana Homes.
“Once I was selected among the six pageant finalists, I knew what I was going to be speaking about,” said the second-year Ryerson University student who graduated from Francis Libermann Catholic High School in Scarborough. “I am going to use the platform to spread awareness during my reign.”
A Bollywood dancer since age five, Singh was introduced to the pageant in 2017 while performing in a dance competition organized by the pageant organizers.
She and her younger sister Anjali are members of Footsteps Dance School founded by Jessica Persaud in 2004.
Emily Singh has been dancing with Footsteps for the past 16 years
“I knew going in that the pageant was going to be an outside the box happening,” said Singh whose career goal is to be a broadcaster or investigative journalist. “It’s good to come out of your comfort zone sometimes and challenge yourself. The interaction with the other contestants was great and the overall experience was rewarding.”
Starting in the last week of August, the contestants trained three hours weekly.
“We were well prepared and I was confident going into the event because I knew I had put in the hard work,” said Singh who wore an emerald green mermaid gown sponsored by Shiv Singh. “I gave it my best shot am delighted with the outcome.”
The daughter of former Canadian cricketer Danny Singh and his wife Sharon, her maternal grandmother – Jean Singh – is her biggest role model.
“My nanny is a very giving person and I always wanted to be like her,” Singh, who volunteered almost 140 hours at The Divine Infant Catholic School where she attended, added. “She’s such a sweet person.”
Emily Singh is a second-year Ryerson University student
