Since being crowned as Miss Teen Southern Alberta-World, I have been offered many amazing opportunities to make a difference in my community. Some things I have done that have made awareness to my title and awareness to a good cause are Purple Day for epilepsy awareness, the 32nd Annual Mothers Day Run and Walk which is held every year on mothers day to help buy equipment for the Calgary Health Trust, and the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, and I had the pleasure of singing Oh Canada at the Semi-Final game of the Esso Cup. These opportunities have been wonderful and amazing to start with. I am currently lining up a few more appearances, so look out Calgary you never know where you'll see me next

PURPLE DAY

This was my first appearance as Miss Teen Southern Alberta-World. The opportunities came so fast, that I didn't even have my sash mailed to me in time! It is such a weird and exhilarating experience to walk into a room and know that people are watching your every move, yet I did not once feel nervous. I carried myself with confidence and proudly handed out cookies with a purple lei on my neck and a pair of salad tossers in my hand to any passers by. I yelled Free Cookies! For epilepsy awareness! I turned many heads, and heard many touching stories. It's amazing how many people can have a potentially fatal disease that can drastically effect their lives, and you could never know it.
 I next went to City Hall where I spoke out about Stigma and Stereotypes, where I had the chance to meet the Deputy Mayor Jim stevenson and the Alderman Dale Hodges. This was a great experience because they both have a very powerful positive influence on Calgary. Cassidy Megan, A nine-year old girl who lives in Nova Scotia, Canada founded purple day and made it so well known, that the entire globe will be wearing purple on March 26 2009. I feel very honored to be a representative of this organization.
 (See link for more information) http://www.purpleday.org/calgary.pdf

MOTHERS DAY RUN AND WALK

I was honored to be able to participate in the 32nd Annual Mothers Day Run and Walk. This was one of my favorite events to participate in, since my mother used to be a runner it made me feel proud that I could slip on her old running shoes and carry on her legacy. This year's fundraiser supported the Calgary Health Trust (Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Nurseries). And the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation in Edmonton. At the finish line every female whether they were mother, Daughter, Grandmother, Baby, or anything in-between received a rose for their effort, dedication and spirit. I was able to participate in this event with two close friends of mine. Wendy Huang, and Amithisste Multerer-Zarda. (Miss Teen Alberta-World, Miss Teen South Calgary-World) I loved being able to share the feelings of happiness, friendship, and love with these two remarkable ladies. We were able to hand out gift bags to the participants of the little legs race, and we had a wondrous time dancing at Olympic Plaza with some of the younger children.
 During the two days before the big race, Amithisste and I volonteered to hand out this years race T-shirts, and help to sell last years remaining T-shirts. We met a large variety of interesting people, and made some new friends along the way.

SINGING OH CANADA AT THE SEMI FINALS OF THE ESSO CUP

I have always been a singer. Even as a little girl, performing, singing, dancing, acting, modeling, etc. So when I had the chance to sing Oh Canada at the Esso Cup, I was so happy, I could barely contain myself! I went through a set of auditions to make it to the Semi-Finals, and being on the soft red carpet rolled out  onto the ice, holding a microphone, wearing my sash and crown, feeling the many sets of eyes on me. The only word I can think of to describe this feeling, is a rush of excitement and fear.. The knowledge that every single pair of ears is hanging on to my every note is a thrillling experience. I am happily awaiting more chances to promote my new title and some good causes that are close to my heart. So where in Calgary is Sarah Striga!? Who knows where next, but keep your eyes and ears open, I'll be seeing you soon [=