Canada: Vancouver Falun Gong Practitioners Participate in Exhibition of Health and Safety for the Elderly

On June the 1st 2004, Falun Gong practitioners in the Richmond area of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada participated in the two-day exhibition Health and Safety for the Elderly. Among nearly 60 booths, elderly people frequently visited the Falun Gong practitioners' booth to enquire about the practice and get more information. Falun Gong practitioners demonstrated the five sets of exercises at the centre of the exhibition hall, which won enthusiastic applause.

At 2:00 p.m., a large delegation from Mainland China that was in Vancouver for a training course walked into the exhibition hall. When they came to our booth, a man who walked in the front said, "What materials do you have? Please give me all of them." We gave him many different materials, which he gladly accepted. Some practitioners explained the staged self-immolation incident in Tiananmen Square to the group members, along with facts about Falun Gong's widespread popularity around the world, and so on. They all listened attentively. A man at the back of the group graciously asked, "What materials can I take?" It seemed he was very interested in Falun Gong. Practitioners gave him a copy and explained the contents of each of the materials. The discussions with the group were very natural and peaceful, and when they walked away, the practitioners sent them their most sincere wishes, "It's not easy for you to go abroad, the chance is hard to find again, please take a good look of the situation abroad. We wish you a smooth journey!"

Coordinator of the activity Margie Hardy said when talking about Falun Gong practitioners' five sets of exercises, "It was a pleasure watching your demonstration of exercises. When you applied for the activity, some people in our group had differing opinions, but your expression and your spirits make us feel so peaceful, and you bring people only happiness. The three words on your clothes 'Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance' are so wonderful. In my daily life, I have been following the principle of being compassionate."

The second activity of the exhibition was scheduled for June 3, at which time Falun Gong practitioners would participate in arts performances in the evening, performing the Fan Dance and the Colourful Ribbon Dance.