(Minghui.org) Stormy weather dampened the spirits of many rib fans on the first day of the 16th annual Toronto Ribfest held on June 27, 2015, but for many who came out despite the rain, it was a special day.

A Falun Dafa booth at the event helped many people learn about the brutal persecution of this spiritual practice by the Chinese Communist Party [CCP] in China. People expressed their support for Falun Dafa practitioners' efforts to uphold their freedom of belief. Many people signed a petition calling for an end to the CCP's state-sanctioned forced organ harvesting from living Falun Dafa practitioners in China.

Visitors talk with a practitioner at Falun Dafa booth

A man signs a petition calling for an end to the persecution

Mr. Cameron Mueller, Toronto resident

“It's unfair! People have the right to do what they'd like, but should not be persecuted for doing it,” Mr. Cameron Mueller said, after he learned about the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China for doing the peaceful exericses. He signed the petition and firmly opposed the CCP's forced organ harvesting atrocities.

Mr. George Linton, Centennial resident

Mr. George Linton showed great interest in Falun Dafa, “This practice is great!” he said. He said he would study the informational materials after getting back home. He finally signed the petition to be submitted to United Nations Human Rights Council, calling for an end to the persecution.

Ms. Paris Cadeau and her daughters from Mississauga

“People should have freedom of belief,” Ms. Paris Cadeau said after she learned that Falun Dafa teaches people to live by Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and improves people's health. She also signed the petition.

More People Learn about the Facts and Sign the Petition

Falun Dafa practitioner Mr. Sun visited staff members at other booths with signature collection forms. One of his experiences was that a young man in a food booth signed the petition, the young man proceeded to pass the signature collection forms to five other staff members in the booth, and then walked to another booth to explain to seven staff members there. As a result, all members in the two booths signed the petition.