(Minghui.org) The 17th World Falun Dafa Day and 24th anniversary of Falun Dafa's public introduction in China on May 13 is also the 65th birthday of Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa. Practitioners in Toronto, Canada gathered at Nathan Phillips Square on May 3 to celebrate this special occasion.
Practitioners in Toronto celebrate World Falun Dafa Day
Divine Land Marching Band
Life Journey Changed for the Better
Christy Trudeau, a nurse working in Toronto, said Falun Dafa improved her life in the best way. Her dietary and digestive problems that could not be cured, as well as her marijuana addiction, were gone several weeks after she began to practice Falun Dafa.
Christy now has a happy marriage and a favorable work environment. She is very thankful to Falun Dafa. “By following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance in my daily life, I became more open-minded. This not only improved my relationship with my family, but also helped to make a better working environment.”
Alice Huang is a teacher who used to suffer from arthritis. Because of the pain, she had difficulty writing, and typing on a computer. To prevent further edema, she had to receive injections every week, and had a restricted diet. She saw practitioners doing the Falun Dafa exercises at a park one day and decided to give it a try.
Within a week, both her joint pain and edema disappeared. More importantly, Falun Dafa taught her to look within when running into conflicts with others. “I find that when I am more considerate of others, I am happier and more peaceful, and so is the world around me.”
Joey Giglioti, 24, joined the World Falun Dafa Day festivities for the first time. He traveled for an hour from Hamilton to reach the event. He said he first heard about Falun Dafa from a friend one and a half years ago. “I had always been searching for a way to make myself a better person. Then I found Falun Dafa. I am very fortunate, because Falun Dafa is the best in the world,” he smiled.
Group exercises at Nathan Phillips Square.
Joey Giglioti joins the World Falun Dafa Day celebration for the first time.
"These Principles Are Important to This City and the World"
Toronto resident Adriana Reasner and her husband were impressed by the practitioners' group exercise as they walked past the square. “We have seen many activities in Toronto before, but it is hard to find one so peaceful,” she said.
Seeing a banner from practitioners with the words “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance,” Adriana turned to her husband with excitement. “This must be good. These principles are important to this city and the world,” she said.
Adriana Reasner
Jordan, a college student majoring in psychology, said he felt strong energy while learning to do the Falun Dafa exercises. “It makes you feel comfortable and relaxed,” he said.
Jordan (left) and his friends learn the Falun Dafa exercises.
Jimmy Ferbances from Dubai works for a media company in Toronto. He commented, “Wow! These exercises are really amazing.” He then asked many questions about the physical and spiritual benefits, as well as how to get started with the meditation.
Upon hearing that the practice was being persecuted in China, Jimmy was surprised. He took a copy of Minghui International and other materials to read more about it.
"Everyone Should Help Stop the Persecution"
Ray Jonkowski, a financial adviser working in Toronto, was shocked to learn of the Chinese regime's harvesting of organs from living Falun Dafa practitioners.
He added that, while many people and organizations are aware of the human rights violations against Falun Dafa practitioners in China, very few are taking action because of financial interests. “This is wrong. The situation is much worse than what we had thought. Everyone should help stop the persecution,” he said.
Carol Jolin, who works for a French-language labor organization, said the Chinese government must take action to stop this atrocity, because freedom of belief is a basic right for all citizens.
Carol Jolin
James works for the municipal government and has heard about the organ harvesting crimes from the documentary Human Harvest, when it was played on the Canadian national television CBC last year.
“I'm glad to see so many people here today. I hope they can learn more about the persecution like me, so it can end sooner,” he remarked.
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