RFE Taiwan - Listening to Canada

 

Autumn is perhaps Canada’s most romantic season. As maple leaves turn gold and crimson, as cool breezes drift through the city streets, and as the Northern Lights dance across the night sky, we set out on a long-awaited journey filled with beauty, friendship, and many unforgettable moments. This was more than a trip across the Pacific. It was an encounter made possible through Rotary and connected by friendship.

 

“Meeting Rotary, Listening to Canada” became the perfect theme for our Rotary Friendship Exchange journey from September 25 to October 7, 2026.

 

Through the thoughtful planning and coordination of D3490 RFE Chair Sophie and D3461 RYE Chair Wesley, this long-awaited journey finally became a reality.

Led by D3490 PDG Paul and his spouse, our delegation included DGE Cardiac and spouse, Noodles and spouse, Service and spouse, CP Jaysjinnet, as well as D3461 Wesley and spouse, Rich and spouse, Monica, and Chole.

 

We were a group of friends brought together by Rotary and connected through service, all sharing the same excitement about discovering Canada.

 

We departed Taipei aboard EVA Air flight BR10 and arrived in Vancouver.

 

After checking into the Radisson Hotel, we were warmly welcomed by DG Dean, Governor of District 5040, who hosted us for a wonderful Hong Kong-style roast meat dinner from Kee Heung in Richmond.

 

Over dinner, we exchanged ideas about district affairs and shared observations about differences in Rotary administration and local practices.

 

The next day, we explored Vancouver by Canada Line, walking through historic Gastown, visiting the famous Steam Clock, and enjoying panoramic views from Vancouver Lookout.

 

Later, we took a ferry to North Vancouver. Looking back at the skyline, harbour, and mountains, we began to appreciate the openness, calm, and natural beauty that make Canada so distinctive.

 

From Vancouver, we flew to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories and stayed at the Explorer Hotel.

 

Our greatest hope was to see the Northern Lights. When the night sky finally came alive with the aurora, the moment was almost beyond words. The lights seemed to move quietly above us, mysterious and beautiful. They felt like a gentle blessing, spreading peace, happiness, and hope into our hearts.

 

From Vancouver’s autumn colours to Yellowknife’s night sky, we began to understand that this RFE journey was never only about scenery.

 

It was also about using Rotary as a bridge across borders—entering another culture, listening to different life stories, and experiencing sincere human connection.

 

On September 29, we flew from Yellowknife to Toronto, where Lawrence from District 7080 led eight host families in warmly welcoming us at the airport.

 

A wonderful welcome dinner at Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant marked the beginning of a very special chapter of international Rotary friendship.

 

Staying with host families allowed us to experience Canada not merely as tourists, but as guests welcomed into everyday life.

 

On September 30, our host families accompanied us to Bell Homestead, where we learned about the history of communications in Canada. We then visited the Woodland Cultural Centre, gaining a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures, colonial history, and the importance of preserving historical memory.

 

That evening, we enjoyed a dinner cruise surrounded by beautiful autumn scenery. With good food, laughter, and conversation, our friendships grew naturally.

 

On October 1, we attended the breakfast meeting of the Burlington Central Rotary Club, presided over by President Owen. We presented commemorative gifts from Taiwan and conveyed the friendship and best wishes of District 3490. More importantly, we learned about the club’s service projects, Rotary Foundation activities, and club administration. Experiencing the practical and proactive spirit of Canadian Rotarians gave us a deeper understanding of the many ways Rotary serves communities around the world.

 

After the meeting, we visited the Village of St. Jacobs and The Mennonite Story, where we learned about Mennonite history, beliefs, and cultural traditions.

 

We then visited Crawford Lake Conservation Area, enjoying Canada’s natural beauty and learning about local efforts to preserve Indigenous history and protect the environment.

 

That evening, Mae and Bert warmly hosted a backyard BBQ at their home. Members and spouses from the Burlington Central Rotary Club gathered to welcome us with generous hospitality, good food, and genuine friendship.

 

From the early morning Rotary meeting to the relaxed evening gathering, the day reminded us that Rotary friendship crosses borders, and the spirit of service knows no distance.

 

On October 2, our host families drove us to Niagara Falls. 

 

We boarded Niagara City Cruises and experienced the immense power of the falls at close range. We also explored historic tunnels, enjoyed lunch at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club, and visited Great Mountain Ginseng and Jackson-Triggs Winery. 

 

The scenery was magnificent, but what stayed with us most was the generosity of the people who spent their time sharing their country with us.

 

A major highlight of the journey was the District 7080 Conference on October 3 at the Canadian Convention Centre, Brampton.

The theme, “Peace Begins with Us,” deeply touched us.

 

DG Uche Okugo shared his personal journey from being a child refugee affected by war to becoming a Rotary District Governor. His story gave powerful meaning to the idea of peace and reminded us that every act of help, every contribution, and every form of service can change a life.

 

The conference brought together distinguished Rotary leaders, including Past RI Vice President Valarie Wafer, RID Marty Peak Helman, and WASRAG founder Dr. Ron Denham.

They explored peace through education, health, water resources, and humanitarian service.

 

Rotary Peace Fellow and cellist Diego Carneiro performed One Cello, Many Worlds, creating a moving expression of peace across borders.

 

The German Ambassador to Canada, Canadian diplomats, and local leaders also shared perspectives on peace, global affairs, and leadership.

 

The conference did not need elaborate staging. Its strength came from personal stories, sincere convictions, and concrete action. 

 

For us, it became one of the most meaningful Rotary lessons of the journey: Peace is not a distant ideal. It begins with you and me.

 

On October 4, we explored Toronto by public transportation.

 

We visited the historic St. Lawrence Market, Toronto City Hall, the iconic CN Tower, and enjoyed lunch at the 360 Restaurant with panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario.

 

In the afternoon, we walked through Roundhouse Park and along the Waterfront.

 

By this point, Canada was no longer simply a destination on a map. It had become connected with people, conversations, meals, homes, and friendships.

 

On October 5, along with outlet shopping and a visit to Brampton City Hall, one of the most meaningful experiences was our visit to the Brampton Arts Organization. This arts initiative, long supported by the 87-year-old Rotary Club of Brampton, gave us a deeper appreciation of how art and culture can strengthen communities. Its philosophy also resonated with our own advocacy for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Arts Inclusive Education, reminding us that art can cross barriers and create understanding between people.

 

That evening, we attended the Rotary Club of Brampton meeting and a warm Farewell Dinner. We listened to an inspiring address by President Suzanne and a thought-provoking presentation by Vocational Service Chair Kiran, who asked: “What if every Rotarian used their profession as their greatest act of service?” Whether one is a doctor, teacher, engineer, entrepreneur, or professional in another field, every profession carries the potential to improve lives.

 

After visiting the club’s beautiful facilities, we said farewell to Canada and boarded EVA Air flight BR35 for the 16-hour journey home to Taiwan.

 

What an unforgettable Rotary Friendship Exchange journey this was.

 

The warm hospitality of our Canadian host families made us feel deeply connected to the larger Rotary family.

We were especially honoured to visit two Rotary clubs with more than 80 years of history and to witness their long tradition of service and commitment to their communities.

 

The District 7080 Conference was another major highlight, offering powerful perspectives on peace and valuable inspiration for future Rotary service.

 

Beyond Rotary, Canada’s magnificent scenery, rich cultural experiences, and the friendships formed along the way made our first visit to Canada full of surprises and unforgettable memories.

And perhaps the most amusing result of the entire journey was this:

 

 

Our Canadian friends truly succeeded in feeding me with so much love and so much delicious food that I returned home happy and very well fed.

 

Our heartfelt thanks go to Jake’s family, Vino, Kiran, Kathy’s family, President Suzanne, Lawrence’s family, Mae & Bert, and President Owen’s family for your generous hospitality.

 

Thank you for your selfless giving, sincere care, and precious friendship.

 

We arrived as travellers.

 

 

Thank you, Canada.

 

Thank you to all our Rotary friends.

 

We look forward to meeting again. 🇨🇦❤️🇹🇼

 

 

 

Story by: Taiwanese RFE participant, Ms Francis Liu.