CHERISH THE MOTHERLY HEART: INAUGURATION OF GWPN IN VANCOUVER

On July 20, 2019, a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon, the Women’s Federation for World Peace Western Canada Chapter held an inaugural Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN) conference at Bonsor Recreation Complex, attended by 65 members and guests in Burnaby, British Columbia (BC).

The emcee Ms. Tatiana Povarova opened the event with a welcoming game, making people laugh and feel relaxed. This was followed by a WFWP introduction video, after which I, as the new chairwoman of WFWP Vancouver, shared the founding purpose of WFWP and the vision of GWPN, emphasizing that the motherly heart is the key to WFWP’s foundation globally. We encourage everyone to work together and help strengthen one another to be peace builders.

Two special recognition of service certificates were presented to Ms.Yukie McHale and Ms.Tessie Rebello. Ms. McHale has dedicated many years to the organization, served as a chairwoman and laid a good foundation for WFWP in Vancouver, and she is still the most active member in the community. Ms. Rebello has supported several activities in the past and has a passion for WFWP, which has helped her see life in a grander and deeper way. She is very humble and sweet, and ready to be more involved with WFWP activities in the future.

Our keynote speaker, Honorable Minister Jinny Sims (British Columbia's Minister of Citizens' Services), opened her talk by honoring the native land we stand and live on by acknowledging it with gratitude. She then shared her personal story, describing herself as a transnational who has three motherlands or ‘mothers’. She was born in India, educated in England and immigrated to Canada, where her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were born and live, and thus, she has three countries as her mothers in her heart.

Hon. Sims emphasized the importance of mother languages and teaching young children values based on their cultural roots and heritage. Furthermore, parents implant a culture of peace in the home by being good examples, and our home is also where social interactions start. In her closing words, she encouraged all who are engaged in GWPN and expressed admiration for our global foundation for world peace.

One of the highlights of the day’s program was the Herstory Awards. Two awardees were selected this time and one of them was Ms. Cynthia Hoang, who is a third year University of British Columbia student and an anti-porn activist. She is a founder of the Vancouver Anti-Porn Society (VAP Society), which is the first organization of its kind in BC, and has been very active in the fight against pornography. Everyone was inspired and encouraged by her work.

Ms. Bina Shrestha, the second awardee, was warmly welcomed by everyone in the audience. She does a lot of social work in her local Nepali community, working with children’s talent shows and organizing many events with genuine heart and love for her community.

The award ceremony was followed by a variety of lovely entertainment. We had a sweet seven year old girl, Milania Lilly Bell, sing Ave Maria and two young ladies Shim and Jeoung Gicole sang a duet that melted everyone’s heart. Karen Castillano and Kelsey Kanyamuna shared a poem that they had written together about peace and a Bangladeshi dance was presented by Sajida Chowdhury, who truly captured the audience’s attention with her beautiful dance!

Everyone stayed afterwards to share cakes and refreshments, talking and laughing while networking with each other and reflecting on the day’s event.

We also received a special message from Senator Yonah Martin’s office congratulating and encouraging this GWPN inaugural event. Mr. Jay Shin, Conservative party candidate, and his lovely wife were among the attendees and it was a special delight to welcome WFWP Canada Vice President Eveline Stewart, her husband David and their son Mikola.

Everyone who attended the event was very happy, inspired and uplifted! Special thanks go to Ms. Lilly Tadin, the WFWP Canada President, for all her prayers, support and guidance and to Ms. Angelika Selle for her great support and true sisterhood. Both of them gave me full support and encouragement and showed true leadership through this event’s preparation. I am deeply moved and inspired by their genuine hearts and support. Special thanks as well to all the young people who volunteered to help with the event and our WFWP members in Vancouver.

We had such a short time to prepare and there were many challenges along the way, but I strongly felt God was helping us and pushing us to step out of our comfort zone and do something, anything, and that God will do the rest! We could do it because of great support from heaven and also because everyone worked in harmony. We have been well trained by the founders of WFWP to follow our conscious mind and be the best of ourselves in serving others!