“NANAIMO INFUSION” – HOPE and JOY!

Many seem unable to experience hope or joy these days. But on the last weekend in April, both were experienced by well over 500 on an island in British Columbia, Canada at the “Nanaimo Infusion.”

The story is simple: one Canadian (Tod Maffin) was concerned by the disintegrating trust between Americans and Canadians because of the tariff war created by the President of the US and the increasingly frightening situation many Americans were experiencing. He wanted to “do something.” So he posted a very short video on TikTok and invited Americans to come to his home town of Nanaimo, British Columbia one weekend to meet, experience some Canadian hospitality, possibly make new friends over a meal. He thought 4-5 people from a neighbouring State would take him up on his invitation.

It wasn’t just 4-5 but more than five “hundred” … from sooooo many States: Oregon, New York, Florida, Washington, North Dakota, Idaho, Indiana, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, New Mexico, Alabama — and more!

The weekend was incredible! People gathered on the Friday, meeting one another, enjoying the arts and crafts market and delicious food from the food trucks (in greater numbers than people could remember even being at Canada Day celebrations!). They went on free “old town” Nanaimo tours organized by Nanaimo residents; restaurants buzzed with happy conversations by the influx of tourists; some Americans were “adopted” for an afternoon or a day by BC’ers who wanted to give Americans a taste of the BC experience on the weekend; many went boating, shopping, pubbing, kayaking, crafting, whale watching and more. One fellow from Abbotsford, B.C. created “Tod’s Nanaimo Infusion” tags to put at the end of red lanyards that many bought or brought with them to identify themselves as “Infusion” participants at airports, ferry terminals, restaurants etc.

Smiles were everywhere! Laughter filled the air. The joy was palpable. And phrases of “I am so happy!!!” echoed throughout the two days in Maffeo-Sutton Park. On the Saturday, over 500 gathered again for a “family photo” at the park. It was the birthday of the originator of “Nanaimo Infusion” and hundreds spontaneously broke into loud and joy-filled singing of “Happy Birthday” as he stepped on the outdoor stage to welcome them. He was more-than-surprised!

After the huge “family photo” was taken, photos and conversations with Tod were a “must” … cell phones popped out of pockets and purses as email info was exchanged … gifts were given … gifts were exchanged … people were interviewed by local and national media. And as the afternoon drew to a close, many lingered, not wanting to leave … not wanting to let go of the wonderful feelings of hope and joy – and safety! Sadly, “safety” was a factor for many Americans who had registered for the Nanaimo Infusion but cancelled in the last week as the US President instilled fear about the possibility of ICE arresting Americans who held dual passports or were LGBTQ+ at the border and deporting them. Even though they forfeited plane, hotel, ferry deposits because they couldn’t feel secure that they could return home safely, they were part of the Discord channel (an instant messaging and VoIP social platform) channel Tod created and maintained and it quickly became a way for people to begin to get to know one another before the Nanaimo Infusion and afterwards.

Deep friendships have been made, lives have been changed, and people have returned or are returning (some extended their holidays to further explore Vancouver Island’s charm and beauty) with memories that will last a lifetime. My heart is full, the sense of “family” was tangible and the memories of the joy and expressions of happiness as Canadians and Americans gathered together in Nanaimo was and is, very special.

Remembering the words of former Prime Minister Jack Layton “My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world” may the “Nanaimo Infusion” be a catalyst for changing the world with love, hope, optimism and possibility in both countries in a variety of ways!

Thanks, Tod!
(https://www.patreon.com/c/todmaffin/posts)


© June Maffin
https;//www.soulistry.com/blog
@soulistryjune.bsky.social