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Toddler takes the tiara
Sabrina Crawford named Canada's youngest ambassador

Danielle Sachs
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012

INUVIK
Sabrina Crawford may only be turning two years old on Friday, but she's already received tons of gifts this summer.

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Sabrina Crawford is just a regular kid, says grandmother Helga Sawkins. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

The tiny toddler competed in the Miss All Canadian Pageant's Grand Finals, in Barrie, Ont., and won the title of Diamond Jubilee Miss All Canadian Ambassador.

"She represented Inuvik and won in a category that goes all the way up to the teens," said Jessica Crawford, Sabrina's mother.

Sabrina won the crowd and judges over by wearing traditional Northern clothing, made by Gail Raddi.

Crawford and Sabrina's grandmother, Helga Sawkins, were quick to point out the pageants Sabrina competes in are nothing like what's portrayed on the TLC network series, Toddlers and Tiaras.

"These are all natural pageants," said Sawkins.

All natural means no wigs, fake teeth, eyelashes, tans or elaborate expensive outfits are needed.

After their first experience with the All Canadian pageants last year, Sawkins and Crawford brought one to Inuvik. The Northern Diamond All Canadian Pageant was held in the community on May 26.

"It's about personality and not looks," said Sawkins. "Everyone won something and it can make such a difference to someone's confidence. We're definitely bringing it back."

With the emphasis on personality there's less focus on cost, said Crawford.

"Everyone here thought pageants were only for rich people, but when Sabrina first won she was wearing a $10 Wal-Mart dress," she said. "It's not just crowns and trophies. I feel it's made Sabrina more independent and confident."

Sabrina is also extremely kind hearted, said Sawkins.

"If she wants a cookie, you'll give her the jar and she'll offer everyone else one first before taking hers," said Sawkins.

Sabrina is now the youngest All Canadian Ambassador and the first from the NWT.

Sawkins said Joanne Margaret Flack, the All Canadian executive director, was "very excited to have someone from Inuvik."

On top of winning a professional photoshoot, a television appearance, crown, sceptre and towering trophy, Sabrina was also awarded $500, which is being donated to the Children First Society.

"We said from the beginning if we won that's where the money would go," said Crawford.

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