By Ben Tsui
May 18 – Despite each other’s distinctive political ideals and mistrusts, Calgary’s Tibetan and Chinese communities put aside their differences in solidarity last Saturday afternoon to help raise funds for the recent disastrous earthquake victims in Sichuan province, China.
Together, they collected thousands of dollars in rescue funds at various street corners, malls, businesses and community establishments. A handful of Tibetan exiles volunteered their time for this effort at the Chinese Cultural Center and the T&T Pacific Shopping Center.
According to Tashi Phuntsok, President of Calgary’s Tibetan Community of Alberta (TCA), “As you can see, our two communities can really work together. We need to clear the “DOUBT” between the Chinese and Tibetans, and bring peace, harmony and prosperity! ”
When Tashi Phuntsok was introduced by event organizer Jim Wang to the Calgary Chinese Consulate staff and extended a heartfelt handshake to them, the consulate employees were taken aback for several seconds. One even was overheard saying to Tashi, “Thank you very much. I never thought the Tibetans were so open!”
Tashi added, “I hope we can understand each other greater. Then, perhaps we can soften our differences and basic issues on the Tibetan situation. Slowly, I hope we may be able to form a Tibetan-Chinese friendship in the near future!”
Over 100 volunteers participated at “THE POWER OF SONG THE POWER OF PEOPLE: A FUND RAISING EVENT FOR THE VICTIMS OF SICHUAN EARTHQUAKE” event by singing, selling food items, and operating Red Cross donation boxes.
