WFWP Canada holds 30th Anniversary Luncheon
The Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Canada held its 30th Anniversary Celebration “Let’s Shine! Illuminate the future!” on November 5, 2022 at the Canadian restaurant in Etobicoke with 120 people in attendance.
In the letter of invitation, WFWP Canada President Lilly Tadin stated the following:
“This year marks a triple milestone for WFWP, as we celebrate the 30th Anniversary since its founding on April 10, 1992, in Seoul Korea, the 25th Anniversary of its being granted General Consultative Status at the UN with ECOSOC (May, 1997), and the 10th Anniversary of the Global Women’s Peace Network (July 16, 2012).
During these last three decades WFWP has come a long way and has been able to establish a phenomenal track record of accomplishments around the world, guided by the simple philosophy of ‘Living by the Logic of Love,” motivated by a motherly heart!
(Please, visit our international website at wfwp.org and WFWP Canada at wfwp.ca)
Our deepest gratitude goes to our co-founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the Mother of
Peace, who has been guiding WFWP through her shining example as a woman peace
Leader.
“In the era in which we live today, we are ushering in a truly important transition.
We can go beyond ideological barriers, linguistic and cultural differences and
racial conflicts, and enter a world of oneness…in this historic transitional age, we
are heading toward reconciliation and cooperation.” Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon
On November 5, we will honor the past, hear stories from elders who laid the foundation here in Canada, and recognize women who contributed over the years to bring WFWP Canada to this point. We will also enjoy learning about WFWP’s recent developments, current projects and programs, and above all, hearing from the next generation of young women leaders about building the future together.”
Congratulatory remarks were made by Dr. Moon Shik Kim, chairman UPF Canada, Angelika Selle, WFWP USA President, and Sun Jin Moon, Senior Vice President of WFWP International.
Both the Hon. James Maloney, Member of Parliament representing Etobicoke, and Hon. Iqra Khalid, member of Parliament representing Mississauga-Erin Mills, were in attendance and offered a certificate of commemoration. They were both given the WFWP 30th Anniversary Commemorative Book as a token of gratitude.
Zohra Zoberi, poet and author, recited an original poem called “Looking for Logic” commemorating the event and her ties to WFWP Canada.
The Lalond Sisters provided a musical interlude by singing the song “Build a Boat”.
The Life Achievement awards proceeded next for Mrs. Lee Women’s Federation Advisor, the Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, former Minister of Parliament representing Etobicoke, and Dr. Margaret Best, former Member of Provincial Parliament/ minister of Consumer Services.
“Peace is not just the absence of war. It emanates from our daily interactions. Making community and life better. Let it not be said that you came into whatever circle and did not leave it a better place. Make sure we leave this a better place.”
- Dr. Jean Augustine.
“The people who are a part of this organization have been the greatest source of support. [They] have uplifted me as a person… allowed me to feel the logic of love…especially when I’m around them. One family under God. God placed pillars of support through the struggles.” - Dr. Margaret Best
Next we heard from three young women panellists, members of WFWP, Saphia Samson, Christina Tadin and Yulia Tarasova.
Saphia stated her passion as a WFWP member is to create a network of women working together to develop a culture of heart within the community to bring lasting peace. “The time has come to rise up and shine and become women of great value.”
Christina Tadin talked about what inspired her most about WFWP, “So many people got together from many different backgrounds. To hear their cultures and spiritualities. We are all truly the same. I hope you can get around identity and relentlessly pursue joy in life…fill up your family and community with joy.”
Yulia Tarasova, Ukrainian Project Lead, articulated about what leadership is: “Growing up in the Ukraine I learned that leadership was connected to position. We were never encouraged to become leaders. WFWP made it possible for me to join a leadership program in New York. I have seen a lot of people rising up looking around asking ‘what can I do?’ By doing so they are changing somebody’s lives. What can I do to make their day easier? We are raising this next generation of leaders of the future.”
To conclude the evening, everyone joined in to sing “One Family under God”.