(Minghui.org) Many local Chinese and tourists enjoyed observing the spirit of freedom exhibited by Falun Gong practitioners at a rally and parade in Toronto on August 24, 2014. Many celebrated their own freedom by quitting the Chinese communist organizations after learning the facts of the persecution.

Although the hate propaganda of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has misled many Chinese both inside and outside of China, practitioners' persistent efforts have turned the tide in raising awareness of the persecution and clarifying misunderstandings.

Mr. Liu, an immigrant from Liaoning Province, was excited to see the parade, “I have lived here for several years. I am glad to see the Falun Gong group getting bigger and bigger. They present China in a positive light. I absolutely support them! They are still so steadfast despite the 15-year-long persecution by the CCP.”

On the issue of forced organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners, Mr. Liu mentioned that he knew about the corpse plasticizing factory: “In fact, government officials forcibly demolished many people’s homes in Dalian, including mine, to build that factory. We filed charges with the National Appeals Office, but our cases didn't go anywhere.”

He said that he quit the CCP organizations several years ago after arriving in Toronto.

Practitioners parade in downtown Toronto

Ms. Wang, another parade spectator, said that she used to own a factory in China. More than 10 of her employees were Falun Gong practitioners.

“I know Falun Gong practitioners are good people, because they do not take factory products home or fight with others for personal gain,” she commented.

“But one of my employees was illegally arrested for distributing Falun Gong informational materials. She was detained for 18 months.”

She also said that she had to close her factory and incur significant financial losses because the CCP kept changing its policies, and that petitions didn't help.

Ms. Wang renounced her membership in the CCP organizations during the parade. She was happy to have gained freedom in Canada: “Now that I'm free, maybe I will start learning Falun Gong tomorrow.”

Practitioners walking through Chinatown during the parade

A Supportive Chinese Tour Guide

Many Chinese tourists were already drawn to the tranquil group exercises in the morning before the parade started.

When one tour guide and six Chinese tourists arrived in a van, local practitioner Ms. Liu went to greet them and explained what Falun Gong was about. After hearing that the CCP has severely suppressed innocent practitioners for 15 years, all six tourists decided to quit the CCP.

When asked if he wanted to quit the CCP, the tour guide said, “I did that a long time ago when a practitioner told me about it. The CCP is not good and it brings people misfortune.”

The tour guide also volunteered to help distribute cards with instructions on how to break through the CCP's Internet blockade to his clients.

Practitioners holding banners during the parade

“Thank You, Falun Gong”

Mr. Zhang, a college student who recently arrived in Toronto, was among the Chinese who chose to quit the communist organizations during the parade. He said, “This is the first time I have seen a Falun Gong parade. It is amazing. No one dares to mention 'Falun Gong' in China.”

After hearing from Ms. Dong that Falun Gong was well received in 100 nations and that many such parades are held every year, Zhang was touched. After learning the facts of the persecution, he quit the communist Youth League.

Ms. Hu, in her 50s, immigrated to Canada many years ago. She was not sure what the practitioners were all about.

Practitioner Ms. Dong explained to her, “We are here to let people know the facts about Falun Gong, which is quite the opposite from how the CCP propaganda portrays it. Falun Gong is good, and we follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. We are also here to call for an end to the 15-year-long brutal persecution.”

“You have done the right thing. I finally know the truth,” Ms. Hu nodded. She then agreed to quit the CCP’s Young Pioneers, the organization she had joined before leaving China. As she boarded a bus, she turned back, waved to Ms. Dong, and said, “Thank you very much. Thank you, Falun Gong.”

http://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2014/8/26/大陆新移民-明天我也炼法轮功-296508.html

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Category: Rallies & Protests