Hundreds of Americans and Canadians flock to B.C. city for giant 'family photo'
A viral TikTok video led to a massive influx of American visitors to Vancouver Island this past weekend.
Tod Maffin, a business journalist and digital marketer, released a video in February proposing a plan for Americans who support Canada to participate in what he called “Tod’s Nanaimo Infusion.”
Hundreds of Americans from across the United States accepted the invitation, flocking to Nanaimo from April 25 to 27 for a weekend of cross-border solidarity and connection.
@todmaffin Day 1 is over, and my heart is full ❤️#nanaimo #nanaimoinfusion ♬ original sound – Tod Maffin 🇨🇦
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In his original video, Maffin suggested that Americans who support Canada pick a day to converge in Nanaimo. He even said that he would host an event. One of the reasons he suggested the plan was to boost Nanaimo’s economy.
He had a few disclaimers for Americans, like the fact that Canada supports LGBTQ folks and that the streets are clean. He also told Americans how far their money would go in Canada.
The festivities began with a food truck fest in Maffeo Sutton Park. Other activities held included a local pub crawl and a massive “family photo” at the Lions Pavilion.
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog and Nanaimo-Lantzville MLA George Anderson also met the guests and handed out pins to the crowd.
Visitors from Washington, Oregon and even as far as South Dakota and Florida celebrated with locals from across the city, Vancouver Island, and Canada.
George Anderson/X
Attendees’ reviews for the Nanaimo Infusion were uniformly glowing, thanking Maffin and his wife, Jocelyn, for bringing everyone together as well as praising the city for its charms.
“It was such a special event for our community and our island! We loved meeting so many wonderful Americans this morning,” said one commenter online.
“Tod and Jocelyn, thank you times a million,” added another. “Thank you, too, to all of the citizens of Nanaimo who embraced this idea and carried out the actions to allow it to flourish.”
“My heart is so full,” said Maffin in a recap video posted on social media. “Not just from the pleasure of seeing all these wonderful people from all over the U.S… It’s been such a crazy, lovely time.
“Thank you for taking a chance on this idea that I had. Thank you for coming all this way. Thank you to Nanaimo for just showing up and being amazing.
With files from Amir Ali