Toronto, Canada—On Saturday, March 11, 2023, UPF-Toronto hosted a “UPF Vision 2023” seminar mainly for participants of last October’s very successful Ambassadors for Peace Awards Banquet. Despite a heavy snowfall the previous day, the meeting room at UPF’s Toronto home, 215 Mavety, was full with almost 70 attendees.
The program was most ably guided by Dr. R. Thillairajan, the former UPF leader in Sri Lanka and well known to the sizeable group of attendees from the Senior Tamils of the Regional Municipality of Peel in the Greater Toronto Area, of which he is an active member. Dr. Thillairajan began by introducing Dr. Moonshik Kim, chairman of UPF-Canada, who welcomed everyone very warmly. Dr. Kim was followed by Dr. Franco Famularo, president of UPF-Canada, who explained UPF’s 5 Principles & Ambassadors for Peace very thoroughly, which paved the way for a heart-felt testimony by Dr. Hoossen Auckbaraullee, co-director, Central District, UPF-Canada, of his long experience with UPF.
Lunch, prepared by UPF volunteers, guided by Mrs. Yoo, was really excellent, greatly enjoyed by all, and allowed old friendships to be revisited and new ones established.
The program resumed with a wonderful song by Ryan Orlanda, of Pinoy Vibes World Radio, to the delight of the large Filipino delegation, which included PLACA executive director and Filipinos Making WAVES publisher, Teresa Torralba, and Rosary Escano of The Filipino Channel. The Nepalese, Indian and Mongolian communities were also well represented, as was the Church of Scientology led by proud Ambassadors for Peace, Yvette Shank and Earl Smith.
Robert Duffy, secretary-general, UPF-Canada masterfully guided the audience through the most impressive activities of UPF worldwide in his “UPF – Path to Peace” presentation. He was followed by Wilson Nabus, director of Filmission, who shared his story with UPF. The presentations concluded with David Stewart sharing about the “Core Programs, Ongoing Initiatives of UPF” and activities in Toronto. He invited all to join the upcoming Peace Road activity planned for June 4 this year. There was then time for a Q & A with all three speakers before Dr. Thillairajan wrapped up the day right on time!