TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwanese community in Toronto demonstrated remarkable solidarity Sunday (May 11) at the annual charity run organized by the Mackenzie Health Foundation at Canada Wonderland. The contingent, operating under the banner "Team Taiwan," emerged as the event's largest participating group and contributed nearly one-third of all donations, showcasing the community's exceptional organizational strength and philanthropic commitment.
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto Director General Liang Yi-peng (梁毅鵬), who led his office staff in joining Team Taiwan, highlighted Taiwan's strong reputation in public health systems during the event. Liang emphasized that health issues should remain free from commercialization and political maneuvering. He also expressed appreciation for Canada's consistent support of Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the World Health Organization.
Team Taiwan Captain Chuang Po-hsiung (莊博雄) explained that the Toronto Taiwanese community has persistently advocated for Taiwan's inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO) and its annual assembly. This charity run marked their inaugural collaboration with a mainstream Canadian sporting event, strategically designed to demonstrate Taiwan's unwavering determination to participate in global health governance despite ongoing political obstacles.
Team Taiwan raised CA$10,845 (US$8,000 or NT$242,400 using current exchange rates) of the event's total CA$33,500 (US$24,700 or NT$748,286) contributions. The newly formed "Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors" (FASCA) enhanced Taiwan's visibility by establishing an informational booth highlighting Taiwan's current international situation and ongoing exclusion from the WHA. This advocacy effort comes as the 78th World Health Assembly prepares to convene in Geneva from May 19 to 27. ★
