I started the week on one runway and ended the week in Toronto at the "Runway to Discovery" with my daughter at the 27th Canadian Model & Talent Convention (CMTC). While my daughter's journey through the teen years is like many others and not one I'm inclined to share often (my support for mental health isn't because that's for other people - I've walked the edge many times) - I DO want to share what CMTC is and why it's important for you to know more about it.... you may have heard of Mode-Elle and Audra Anderson. You know, that store on Front St. or the card racks in the Mall - inviting you to be discovered? Maybe not everyone has dreamed about being rich and famous but for many young girls, the possibility of becoming a model or actress is something that crosses their mind and we are very, very fortunate to have the services Mode-Elle provides right here. It's an investment - like hockey or dance - but kids who participate in the programs learn self-confidence, self-respect and even how to set the table! Audra makes that happen here and she attracts families from across the province to her agency. Because Mode-Elle is just the storefront.... what Audra does behind the scenes is create opportunities and bring these dreams to life.

CMTC celebrated its 27th year with nearly 800 hopefuls registered to attend a series of competitions that would be judged and viewed by over 70 casting, talent & modeling agencies from around the world. Kids and adults alike from across the country come to this event - the only one of its kind in Canada - that gives both talent & recruiters a one-stop shopping opportunity. If you've ever read about the hurry up and wait concept of a go-see lineup, it's no surprise Canadian talent is somewhat rare on the North American screen. We went about 6 years ago and I was blown away by the simplicity of the brilliance in this event. I don't know if it's true, but if I were Audra Anderson, wondering how I was going to get kids in Belleville in front of international casting agents that wouldn't cost them a flight to LA or Miami or Tokyo - I would like to think I'd come up with a way to get those agencies and directors here.