Nearly 100 members of Toronto's Taiwanese community came together as "Team Taiwan" on May 10th, the Mackenzie Health Foundation's 20th annual charity strike, at Canada's Wonderland at Vaughan, to promote Taiwan's admission in the World Health Assembly (WHA). The team was the biggest and most energetic, placing among the top three fundraisers and demonstrating Taiwan's commitment to global health issues. They were all dressed in matching T-shirts with the Republic of China (Taiwan) flag, "TAIWAN," in printed and Taiwanese themes.
Team Taiwan demonstrated an unshakable commitment to bringing attention to Taiwan's exclusion from the WHA under the leadership of Captain Tim Chuang, President of the Canada-Taiwan Economic & Cultural Development Association (Can-Tai). Chuang emphasized the team's unselfish cooperation and gave gratitude to the persistent work of young volunteers, neighbourhood associations, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto and the Cultural Centre. Their combined efforts demonstrated Taiwan's willingness to support global health programs.
Throughout the strike, Team Taiwan's passionate shouts of "Team Taiwan" reverberated, highlighting their cause and encapsulating the solidarity of the Taiwanese diaspora. A constant flow of people gathered at the finish line to interact with the "Taiwan Pavilion," which featured booths promoting Taiwanese travel, prize-winning trivia competitions, and a lucky draw wheel. By introducing local Canadians to Taiwan's warmth, these events strengthened the idea that Taiwan's dynamic society should be represented in international health debates. The lively atmosphere and widespread praise for Team Taiwan’s enthusiasm amplified their advocacy.
Yi-Peng Liang, the Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto, organized his colleagues to join the strike as well. He said that public health and wellness should not be politicized and that Taiwan has a top-notch public health system. Taiwan has every incentive to be a member of the World Health Organization (WHO). He congratulated everyone for becoming "Taiwan’s goodwill ambassadors," taking tangible steps to demonstrate Taiwan’s warmth and contributions to the world, and commended Canadian society for its long-standing support.
With about 4,000 participants—2,000 of whom participated in the 5K run—the event promoted community spirit and cross-border togetherness while raising Taiwan's profile internationally.
