The struggle between Canada and the U.S. has affected the relations between the International Peace Garden and some of their supporters, prompting an influx of emails sent to the Peace Garden over the past few weeks. CEO Tim Chapman responded to those emails last week. He also shared his own personal message to their supporters on both sides of the border.
"I thought it was important, after receiving a few strongly worded emails, to not only respond to those individuals but also to let all our members know that regardless of the political climate, the Garden still stands for what it has always stood for: cooperation and peaceful coexistence between our two countries," shares Chapman.
Since his response, the Peace Garden has received more emails, fortunately those have been more positive than negative.
"In responding to some of the people who reached out and after receiving quite a bit of feedback from both Americans and Canadians, it's been great to see even those who were initially quite annoyed give me some positive feedback," explains Chapman. "They now better understand that there's not much the Garden can do about the rhetoric being used."
"However," he adds, "we can continue to be great neighbors, visitors, and members who gather at the Garden and set an example. This shows that most Americans and Canadians still value each other and the long-standing cooperation that our citizens and countries have enjoyed for so long."
Having a staff that comes to the Garden from both sides of the border, Chapman says what's going on between the two countries doesn't change the care and friendship they feel amongst themselves.
"I know just at the staff level at the Garden, seeing as we're pretty much 50/50 [of Canadian and American] the rhetoric and things going on have not affected how much we cherish each other as co-workers and what we get to experience working with each other and visiting each other's towns. The Garden is just such a special place that will continue to bring people together," adds Chapman.
'Although current political strife between the countries is stirring a variety of sentiments, we will continue to stand for and support thoughtful dialogue while providing a beautiful, unique destination for all to share. Our mission remains to promote the ideals of peace between nations while enriching lives through conservation, art, culture, education, and recreation,' stated Chapman in Monday's media release.
'The International Peace Garden was founded on the principles of peace and cooperation between nations. Our nations. Canada and the United States have shown with the world's longest unfortified border that we are one of the world's greatest examples of neighborly appreciation. I encourage you to reach out and ask us how we can work through this together.'
'IPG is committed to weathering exchange-rate fluctuations and will keep our daily rates and annual membership costs at 2024 levels.'