“Mother’s Love to the Whole World”
At the Peace Plaza in Olympic Park located Songpa-gu, Seoul, a walkathon for world peace took place on April 22, Sunday. About 10,000 members gathered, wishing for the happiness of children all around the world. Under the slogan, “Mother’s Love to the Whole World,” the 9th New Life Family Walkathon was hosted by the New Life Welfare Foundation and was sponsored by Ministry of Health and Welfare, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Commission on Youth Protection, Korea Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse Network [KAPCAN] and Bucheon Sejong General Hospital.
The New Life Walkathon has been held in order to deliver new life and hope to parentless households and children suffering from heart disease and rare diseases. As the walkathon was held year after year, its helping hand reached far; not only Korean children but even Vietnamese children with heart disease were supported. The 9th Walkathon, especially, delivered love to children in six countries: Ghana, DR Congo, Peru, Brazil, Mongolia and China.
Foreign diplomats in Korea also attended this meaningful event including Urjinlhundev Perenlei the Ambassador of Mongolia in Korea and John Bosco Dery the Counselor of the Ghana Embassy in Korea. And many domestic guests also attended the walkathon: Yi Bae-keun the Principal of Korea Youth Counseling Institute, Lee Bong-hwa the Supervisor of Woman & Family Policy Affairs of Seoul City, Jeong Yeon-bo the Secretary-General of Seoul Council on Social Welfare, Lee Tae-hyeon the Head of Bucheon Sejong General Hospital, Actor Kim Bo-sung (who is an PR Ambassador of the New Life Welfare Foundation), and Vocalist Lee Seung-hun.
The 9th walkathon started at around 11 a.m. Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah gave an opening speech and expressed gratitude to the guests, supporting organizations, sponsors and all the members. She called the members who came to practice love for neighbors “the most beautiful and great people in the world” and encouraged them by saying, “You are as fragrant as spring flowers. Your helping hand will be a comforting hand of a mother and stop all the pains in the world and give a bright future to children.”
Urjinlhundev Perenlei the Ambassador of Mongolia received a big round of applause by giving a speech in Korean, saying, “Now I see the future of Korea through your happy smile. Let’s give love and hope to the children who need our help. Let’s go together!” After a congratulatory message of Lee Bong-hwa the Supervisor of Woman & Family Policy Affairs of Seoul City, who hoped that the event would give new life and hope to children as it had done until now, Yi Bae-keun the Principal of Korea Youth Counseling Institute encouraged the members, saying, “I’m proud of you who don’t stop volunteering service activities with sweat and tears and with a mother’s love.”
After the ceremony, the walkathon started. The members walked along the lake with their families, enjoying sweet scent of spring flowers among evergreen trees. A rabbit in the grove, ducks in the lake and cartoon characters were all interesting and marvelous to the children who attended with their parents; and they didn’t forget to think about their sick neighbors and wished them to get better soon.
After the members completed walking, they returned to the Peace Plaza and had lunch together with their families. After lunch, the “Festival to Share Love” was held; the New Life Children Choir sang children songs with dance, and the vocalists, who were also foundation members or the PR Ambassadors, sang songs with all their heart. After all the official programs, there was a time for family gathering: making button for smile families, rope-jumping, traditional games and so on.
At the booth named “Message of Hope” for the children suffering pain throughout the world, children filled the world map with their encouraging messages in neat hand writing. Moreover, it was really touching that they participated in “Relay to Deliver a Mother’s Love” as the last program. It was specially arranged to educate children to become considerate of their neighbors in need and share their goods with others; children donated their precious goods for children in remote islands in Korea or overseas.
Boys brought their balls and toys, and girls willingly brought their dolls which they received as their birthday presents. Many children brought their school supplies such as pastel crayons, pencils and notebooks. 9-year-old Gang-san brought his new watch that his father bought him and hoped that it would give joy to someone. 6-year-old Ji-su was delighted, saying, “I’m happy to give my pastel crayons to a friend who needs them.” They already understood that they are happier when they give love than receive.
The members hoped that they would help children worldwide with a mother’s heart, saying, “It is a mother’s heart to want to give something precious to others.” PR Ambassador Kim Bo-seong said, “A mother’s love is sacrifice and devotion. I think today’s event is much more beautiful because its purpose is to deliver a mother’s love to the world. I wish children, the leaders of the future, to live with hope through this love.” Becoming one with the love of a mother, the members will continue to deliver the love to global neighbors beyond national boundaries.
Happy Chuseok Shared With the Global Family 2024
Warm Family Love, Abundant Festive Generosity
September 12, 2024
WeLoveU School 2024 ‘Ecological Environmental Education for All’
‘Save the World: Small Steps for Global Citizens’ to Learn How Humanity and Earth Can Coexist
August 29, 2024
Emergency Relief for Grenada Hurricane Victims
Volunteer Activity and Charity Concert to Help Hurricane Victims
August 2, 2024
Supporting the Independence of Neighbors With Disabilities
Providing Home Appliances and Desks to
Nusajaya Community Rehabilitation Program, Malaysia
July 17, 2024
Enliven Classes With Audio-Visual Support
Providing Educational TVs to Six National Schools in Penang, Malaysia
July 5, 2024
‘WeLoveU Is the Hope for Neighbors in Need’
Donation of 190 Water Tanks
to Flood Affected Areas in Esmeraldas, Ecuador
June 3, 2024