Sarita Van Dyke, a social justice influencer, who also works at Maranatha Church and at Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf as a public servant nurse, is among 25 finalists for Mrs. Canada pageant.
Van Dyke visited Belleville City Hall this week to meet with Mayor Neil Ellis.
“On behalf of the city, I extend my sincere congratulations to Sarita as she advances to the next round of this prestigious competition,” Ellis said. “Her unwavering advocacy for affordable housing and the well-being of our community is a source of pride for us all. We wish her continued success as she brings vital national attention to this important issue.”
Mrs. Canada Inc. platform provides an opportunity for married and unmarried women to showcase a unique blend of beauty with a cause, talent, and intelligence on a global stage. The 2025 edition of the international pageant is scheduled to take place in Montreal in July.
Originally from Cornwall, Van Dyke is bilingual and brings with her a string background in community advocacy and healthcare. She expressed excitement about representing Canada at the international level.
During an interview, Van Dyke was asked: “If you could change one thing in Canada, what would it be?” Her response was direct: “Probably the most boring answer in pageant history: affordable housing. We need more affordable housing. It’s essential to create mixed communities that include low-income, geared-to-income, and affordable housing. By integrating these housing types, we can eliminate the social stigma associated with lower incomes. When we remove that stigma, we boost confidence. When we boost confidence, it leads to greater community involvement. We need more people involved in their communities.”
Van Dyke also acknowledged the impact of past titleholders in bringing national attention to key social issues. Motivated by their example — and her mother’s encouragement (and rolling pin, she joked) — Van Dyke accepted the opportunity to compete. Currently, she serves as a Mayor-appointed member of the City Planning Advisory Committee, and is also the Director of Hospitality, Outreach and Safety at a charitable organization.
Source Article: https://www.intelligencer.ca/news/local-news/mayor-recognizes-mrs-canada-finalist
Photo: Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis welcomed Sarita Van Dyke, one of 25 Mrs. Canada Finalists that will compete in Montreal in July, to City Hall this week. SUPPLIED Photo by Sarita Van Dyke /jpg, BI, apsmc
