5 June, St. Bruno, Quebec:

Sports and Recreation councilor Nicole Girard, press agent for the town Real Gagne and police escort, R. Bilodeau met the runners at the old St. Bruno train station. R. Bilodeau then accompanied Mme Girard and runners Vidura Groulx and Dhupita Breunesse through the town of St. Bruno to City Hall, where they were greeted by Madeleine Juhos, municipal councilor, and Josee Alix, director of community services.

Councillor Girard thanked the World Harmony runners on behalf of the Mayor and congratulated them on their dedication to world harmony. World Harmony Run team member Dhupita Breunesse, a resident of St. Bruno and the WHR coordinator for Quebec said a few words about the philosophy behind the Run and thanked the city officials for their wonderful reception.

World Harmony Run team member Vidura Groulx presented Nicole Girard with a Certificate of Appreciation and a Harmony Run T-shirt, which she in turn offered to Josee Alix, thanking her for her work towards this noble effort. Mme Girard is also a coach for cross-country and has strong ties with the local school.

After signing the guest book and enjoying refreshments, the runners were off to another event in the Eastern Townships.

Waterloo, Quebec:

The WHR was received in Waterloo, Quebec at Waterloo Elementary School by not one, but two mayors, the school principal and hundreds of school children eager to participate in the harmony events.

Devaki Groulx explained the ideals and purpose of the run to a large group of children, ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 6.

The children formed a large circle and then ran around it with Vidura Groulx; each child had an opportunity to hold the torch and make a personal wish for harmony. A few children wished to express what harmony meant to them -'the getting together of everyone' and 'love', for example.

The Mayor of Waterloo, Pascal Russel and the Mayor of Shefford, a nearby town, came up together and told the kids that once their two towns had not gotten along, but now they are working together in harmony and respect, as we all should! The motto of the school is appropriately, "respect".

The Team also enjoyed a long discussion with the school's Principal, Janie Barakette, who knows the name of each child in the school! She takes great pride in instilling values such as mutual respect for one another and for those of other cultures and nationalities.

Brother and sister Tiffany and Dylan Ellston summed up the day's experience by telling us what harmony meant to them - " love and respect for everyone."

Photos at Waterloo Elementary School:

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