“Thank You for Everything You Have Done for Our Family!”
At the relief goods delivery ceremony for flood victims in Cape Town, South Africa,
two children came on stage and presented a heartfelt thank-you letter
they had prepared for the Chapter Director of WeLoveU.
Though brief, the letter filled with sincerity deeply moved the members.
Thank you for everything you have done for our family.
(Handwritten part)
Thank you for your valuable contribution towards the flood victims.
Late last September, heavy rains turned Cape Town into a vast waterlogged area.
Many buildings were flooded, over 80 roads were closed,
and incidents of building collapses and power outages occurred.
WeLoveU collaborated with Cape Town Municipality to launch emergency relief efforts.
They decided to assist flood victims in the severely affected areas of Sir Lowry’s Pass and Macassar, visiting these regions to assess the situation.
Despite receiving food supplies from the government and various organizations,
the flood victims faced significant challenges due to the lack of cooking equipment.
On January 18, WeLoveU delivered relief supplies, including gas stoves and gas canisters, to 69 flood-affected families at the community centers in Sir Lowry’s Pass and Macassar.
Onele Ndesi, DRM, Disaster Risk Management Officer at City of Cape Town (East)
“We’re deeply grateful for WeLoveU’s donation.
On behalf of the city, I want to extend our thanks once again to the Foundation for helping our community recover swiftly.”
Onele Ndesi, DRM, Disaster Risk Management Officer at City of Cape Town (East)
Elzane de Bryun, Flood Victim
“Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to provide this help to us, who have lost everything.”
Elzane de Bryun, Flood Victim
WeLoveU will continue to provide necessary support to help neighbors
facing unexpected disasters recover quickly and return to their daily lives.
Warm Winter Made With Love
It is a cold windy winter.
Around this time of every year, the members of Intl. WeLoveU Foundation
in the United States become busy with their warm mission.
Before the wind gets stronger, they prepare winter clothes for children
who might not be ready for the cold and hurry to deliver them
before the weather gets harsher. This winter, they delivered warm gifts
full of love to children in Boston, Newark, and Philadelphia.
December 17
- YMCA in Dorchester, Boston, MA -
At the Dorchester YMCA, 68 children received winter jackets,
scarves, gloves, and other winter essentials.
The photo zone, face painting, and snack corner
were filled with laughter and joy of the children.
December 18
- Lafayette Street School in Newark, NJ -
At Lafayette Street Elementary School, 25 children received winter jackets
and winter essentials. Seeing the children wearing winter clothes
and smiling brightly brought equal happiness to WeLoveU members.
January 10
- George W. Shaswood School in Philadelphia, PA -
At George Sharswood Elementary School, 60 children
were given winter jackets and winter essentials.
The members conveyed love and care through personal interactions
with the children, meeting their gaze and holding their hands.
“Wonderful people in blue shirts brought all these generous gifts. They
delivered the gifts to the children from the most in-need families in Newark.”
Roger León, Superintendent of Newark’s schools, NJ
“Many people lack the strength to support their families,
making these donations crucial. This effort is possible when we recognize
that we are all part of one community and care for those around us.
I’m very happy to be able to work with WeLoveU on this initiative.”
Brandy Fluker Oakley, Massachusetts State Representative
WeLoveU will continue its warm-hearted WeLo campaign
to help children have a cozy winter.
P.S.
WeLoveU members in the United States donated winter clothes
and winter essentials to 153 children in three regions
through the WeLo’s Winter Weather Clothing Drive.
This initiative was supported by Allen Chemical.
21st New Life Concert
The Song of Hope Resounded After the Pandemic
On a day when raindrops turned into snowflakes in the chilly weather, a heartwarming event was held to comfort the cold and weary hearts of neighbors around the world. The 21st New Life Concert held after a four-year hiatus following the COVID-19 pandemic, brought together members and an eager audience. They arrived early with excitement for the long waited concert and the cold could not bother those who had warm love for their neighbors.
On November 29, the 21st New Life Concert was held at the Students’ Gymnasium of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. The event was organized by the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation and sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Seoul Metropolitan Municipality, the Korea NPO Solidarity of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Korea Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, and Incheon Sejong Hospital. Approximately 6,000 people attended the concert, including the WeLoveU Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, board members, and people from all walks of life such as law, culture, education, and media. Diplomats from around 10 countries, including Laos, Belarus, Mongolia, Iraq, Libya, and Sierra Leone, were also present.
Around 6 p.m., the first part of the concert began with the donation delivery presided by entertainer Kim Sung-hwan. In the opening address, Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah expressed gratitude to the attendees for consistently sharing their warm love. She stated, “Your warm love over the years have provided strength and hope to our neighbors, saving the global community.” Recalling WeLoveU’s slogan, she said, “Let’s ensure that no one feels lonely, with motherly love. WeLoveU will stay dedicated to the happiness of people around the world next year, too, so that your warm support and expectations will not be in vain.” She anticipated that the long waited concert would comfort people facing difficulties with the songs of love.
H. E. Oyunbaatar Jagdag, Chargé d’affaires of Mongolia to Korea, said, “Mongolia and Republic of Korea have had a long and close relationship, and our cooperation has already branched out extensively in many areas. Among them, humanitarian cooperation is essential, and WeLoveU is contributing to this through various activities. I wish prosperity for the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation.” H.E. Viliami Va’inga Tone, Ambassador of Tonga to the UN, and H.E. Odo Tevi, Ambassador of Vanuatu to the U.N. sent their video congratulatory messages, expressing gratitude for WeLoveU’s support for climate crisis-affected countries, and anticipating ongoing collaboration.
Subsequently, the donation delivery took place. Through the 21st concert, WeLoveU supported Morocco earthquake victims and Libya flood victims, as well as five countries—Tonga, Tuvalu, East Timor, Vanuatu, and Samoa—that are facing sea level rise due to climate change. Additionally, WeLoveU helped 141 underprivileged groups and multicultural families in the Rep. of Korea, contributing a total of 260 million KRW [200,000 USD] domestically and internationally.
The second part of the event began by the New Life Children’s Choir. The cheerful and lively choir with their bright smiles quickly brightened the atmosphere. The performers took the stage amidst the delightful atmosphere hosted by announcer Kim Byeong-chan, and expressed their overwhelming joy at performing at the New Life Concert after a long time, exuding their vibrant enthusiasm and heartfelt energy. Singers Lee Yong, Lee Seung-hoon, Kim Sung-hwan, Kim Jong-hwan, Lia Kim, Yoon Tae-kyu, Jung Soo-ra, and Sopranos Park Mi-hye, Kang Min-seong, Tenor Yoon Seung-hwan, and Baritone Oh Yu-seok presented a wide range of songs. The audience enjoyed a delightful time, shining their flash lights on their phones, and singing along. The passionate performance even received a standing ovation.
Singer Lee Yong expressed his joy, saying, “I’ve been looking forward to the New Life Concert. Unlike in the past, we now live in an age where we can access news from around the world, but it is challenging to readily assist others. I’m grateful to convey warm love through this event and donate my talents for our global neighbors.” Baritone Oh Yu-seok, who performed duets and solos, said, “The common theme of the songs we sang today is hope. I selected songs, hoping we could bring hope to more people. I wish everyone will embrace new hope and move toward a brighter future.” Singer Jung Soo-ra, who decorated the finale of the concert with “Ah! Korea,” responding to encore requests, said, “I’ve missed this stage so much. This had always been a rewarding and joyous performance that concludes my year, so I was thrilled to be back here again. I aim to continue supporting those in need with WeLoveU and spread love and courage.”
Counsellor Asem B A Abdelmalik of the Embassy of Libya to Korea, commented, “After the major flood in September, the situation in Libya is improving, but we still require substantial support. WeLoveU’s assistance will enhance the solidarity between Korea and Libya. I will not forget this help.”
Despite the chilly weather, attendees who arrived early at the venue expressed proud reflections, having together completed the concert with warm cheers and applause. Kang Yoon-seol (from Incheon) said with a warm smile, “Although we often hear about our neighbors’ challenges in the news, it’s easy to forget them quickly. But events like this make me believe that simple acts of kindness can bring forth a great love.” Yoon Min-kyu (from Seongnam) who attended with his entire family, said, “It’s been a few years since I attended the New Life Concert. This time was really touching. It was a meaningful experience that taught my kids the importance of sharing and volunteering.”
WeLoveU’s melody of love, signifying a new beginning beyond the pandemic, will powerfully resonate even more farther, ensuring that no one feels lonely in this world.
“Thank You for Generous Support for the People of Honduras”
The Honduran Embassy in Korea shared the wonderful news!
The 809 boxes of relief supplies shipped at the end of last year
safely arrived in Honduras and were successfully provided
to hurricane victims and vulnerable neighbors.
Ambassador of Honduras to Korea, H.E. Rodolfo Pastor Fasquelle,
expressed his gratitude in a letter to Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah
for WeLoveU’s generous support.
The relief supplies, including school supplies, toys, clothing,
shoes, and bags prepared with care by Korean members,
have finally reached their rightful owners and been put to good use.
Through the National Donation Management Program of the Solidarity Action
Program (PROASOL), the relief goods were distributed to six provinces:
Atlántida, Choluteca, El Paraíso, Francisco Morazán, La Paz, and Olancho.
They reached hurricane victims, vulnerable families, nursing homes, and schools,
while school supplies and toys were equitably shared among local schools.
The joy of neighbors for receiving the gifts is fully captured in the photos.
According to the Deputy Director of PROASOL,
the high-quality school supplies have made attending school more enjoyable,
and the toys have brought smiles to children’s faces,
and the relief supplies have given hope to those in need.
Xenia Maria Pineda Rivas, Executive Deputy Director of the PROASOL
“I sincerely thank Korea and the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation.
Without WeLoveU’s support, it would have been impossible to assist
the vulnerable population in Honduras. We hope that next time, WeLoveU staff
can join us in the distribution to experience our shared joy firsthand.”
Xenia Maria Pineda Rivas, Executive Deputy Director of the PROASOL
WeLoveU will continue to embrace hardships of global neighbors as its own,
striving to create a happier world where no one is left behind.
P.S.
Supporting Hurricane Victims and Vulnerable Groups in Honduras
- July 2021 : Promised to provide $30,000 worth of relief supplies to the Ambassador of Honduras to Korea
- October 2021 : Provided disaster relief for 250 households of flood victims through the Association of Southern Municipalities (NASMAR)
- December 2022 : Shipped 809 boxes of educational, living, and hygiene supplies by sea
- October 2023 : Delivered relief supplies to neighbors in six provinces
through the Solidarity Action Program (PROASOL)
- July 2021 : Promised to provide $30,000 worth of relief supplies to the Ambassador of Honduras to Korea
- October 2021 : Provided disaster relief for 250 households of flood victims through the Association of Southern Municipalities (NASMAR)
- December 2022 : Shipped 809 boxes of educational, living, and hygiene supplies by sea
- October 2023 : Delivered relief supplies to neighbors in six provinces
through the Solidarity Action Program (PROASOL)
Sharing Mother's Love
WeLoveU members in Santiago, Chile, carefully inspect and purchase groceries.
This is a gift for the neighbors in Lo Prado, so they are carefully checking
the ingredients, expiration dates, and other details.
In collaboration with Lo Prado Municipality,
WeLoveU decided to assemble food boxes for 30 vulnerable households experiencing challenges in their daily lives due to the rapid increase in prices.
💞Preparing Food Boxes💞
A total of 16 items, including sugar, salt, jam, flour, pasta, rice, coffee, tea,
and various canned goods, were meticulously packed into large boxes
to create the food packages.
💞Delivery Ceremony💞
On October 12, a delivery ceremony was held at the Lo Prado Municipality in Santiago.
Both WeLoveU members and the neighbors who received the gifts had smiles on their faces. The Mayor of Lo Prado, expressing gratitude for WeLoveU’s social welfare support, awarded it with the “Diploma of Honor” (Certificate of Commendation).
Members shouted “We love you!” to their neighbors, expressing their love and support.
Raul Medel Ortiz, Director of Community Development in the Municipality of Lo Prado
“Due to the unfavorable economic situation, the municipal office welcomes all forms of assistance. We express our gratitude to the WeLoveU Chairwoman and its members.
Your assistance will greatly benefit vulnerable households in the local community. Thirty boxes of groceries will provide assistance to over 120 people since each box can provide enough food for families to sustain themselves for a month. Your contributions and cooperation are highly valued, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration. Thank you for taking on such a significant task.”
Raul Medel Ortiz, Director of Community Development in the Municipality of Lo Prado
WeLoveU will continue to share love to warm the hearts of global neighbors.
“We love you!”
Happy Chuseok Together With Neighbors 2023
Support for 1,500 Households and 39 International Students in Korea, and an Event for Global Family to Have Happy Chuseok
“May things be always like they are on Chuseok.”
Chuseok, which is celebrated in autumn, the season of harvest, is the biggest Korean holiday, when families and friends gather together to share joy. Behind the joyful and abundant holiday is the invisible efforts of mothers who work for the happiness of their families. Before the Chuseok holiday, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation shared a mother’s love this year, too, so that no one would be left out.
From September 11 to 14, WeLoveU members conducted the “Happy Chuseok Together With Neighbors 2023” project; through local governments across the country, they donated grocery gifts to 1,500 households, including senior citizens living alone, single-parent families, grandparent families, multicultural families, and disabled families. Additionally, they delivered living stability subsidies to 39 international students in cooperation with foreign embassies in Korea. On the 11th, the first day of the period, they held the “Happy Chuseok Together With Our Global Family 2023,” as part of the project. They shared holiday food and gifts, experiencing traditional games, which gave strength to domestic neighbors in need and global neighbors who live in Korea.
The event was held at the ERICA Convention Center, Hanyang University in Ansan, Korea, being attended by about 400 people: WeLoveU members, including Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah and Head Director Lee Kang-min, international students, workers, and multicultural families from 24 countries such as Nepal, Mongolia, China, Ghana, Kenya, Ecuador, and Peru, as well as Ansan citizens. Officials from the embassies of Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines, Ansan City Council, and Ansan Cultural Center also participated in the event.
Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah warmly welcomed them and said, “We’re holding this event to comfort and encourage you, on behalf of your families in your home countries during the holiday.” She comforted them who must have suffered hardships and loneliness until then. Chairwoman Zahng also wished for the happiness and health of the participants, saying, “I hope you will have a happy time, sharing love and generosity with each other, regardless of nationality, just like families and friends.”
Ansan City Councilor Han Gap-su said, “WeLoveU has done what the city had to perform. I’m deeply grateful to WeLoveU members for giving hope and courage to every corner of the world through volunteer services.” Regarding the event, Alounkone Boulommavong, Counselor of the Laos Embassy in Korea, said, “I’m very impressed with this special event for international students from many countries, including Laos.” He gave thanks to WeLoveU members and all Korean participants for welcoming all the foreign guests whom they met for the first time, saying, “The students from Laos are doing well, thanks to kind and warmhearted Koreans.”
After the welcome ceremony, a luncheon and side events were held. Global villagers of various nationalities enjoyed Korean dishes such as japchae, galbitang, and chewy rice cakes, and experienced Korean culture while wearing hanbok, playing jegi-kicking, and playing a yeot seller. International students studying in difficult circumstances in Korea, immigrant women making efforts to adjust to unfamiliar food and culture after marriage, and domestic neighbors and foreign workers who had endured the hardships of life with love for their families, all gathered together and had a happy time. The event was just like a big family gathering on a national holiday.
A Japanese woman who had lived in Korea for five years said, “There are not many national holidays in Japan where family gathers together. I love Korean culture where families gather together and share food.” A Cambodian housewife said, “Although I’ve lived in Korea for more than 18 years, I still miss my family in my home country so much every national holiday. Today, I’m happy and excited as if my whole family got together on a national holiday.”
At the hanbok experience corner, Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah helped foreign participants tie strips of the upper garment and adjust their clothes. A Bangladeshi worker who tried on a hanbok for the first time, said, “Chairwoman’s care reminded me of my mother who is in my home country. Through today’s event, I got to know Korea better.” A graduate student who came three years ago from Peru, the other side of Korea, said, “From the subway station that is led to this event, I felt a warm welcome from the members who gave directions. While studying in Korea, it’s been difficult for me to make Korean friends, but I’m so happy today.” He hoped to constantly participate in WeLoveU’s volunteer activities for global villagers.
Receiving love as well as the holiday gifts, the event participants encouraged one another for their bright future just like families and friends as Chairwoman Zahng wished.
‘We Are Eternal Friends’
On September 11, a sudden flood struck the northeastern region of the United States,
resulting in significant damage across several states.
In Leominster, Massachusetts, streets and homes were inundated, and sinkholes emerged,
leading to the closure of numerous roads. Nearby residents were also instructed
to evacuate due to concerns about potential dam collapses.
On the 13th, as the rain persisted, members of WeLoveU in Boston arrived early
at the Leominster Emergency Management Facility to assist with flood preparedness.
To aid the emergency response efforts and brace for any further flooding,
the members diligently filled sandbags for flood prevention
and distributed them to local residents.
They delivered sandbags to homes at risk of flooding and to the local nursing home,
Leominster Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
At the Leominster Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, they strategically placed sandbags in front of the building and at the basement entrance as a precautionary measure.
“I’ve been involved in volunteering in this city for the past few years. So, it’s hard to believe what’s happened here right now. I am grateful to be able to help local residents, even in a small way.”
Ricky Rosario, WeLoveU member
“We needed to deliver sandbags to the nursing home, and just then we received the wonderful news that volunteers were on their way. It’s truly heartwarming to reunite with WeLoveU members after such a long time due to COVID-19. We are eternal friends. Thank you very much.”
Dean Mazzarella, Mayor of Leominster
Mayor Dean Mazzarella welcomed the members, expressing gratitude to WeLoveU
for providing much-needed assistance during these challenging times.
WeLoveU will remain committed to being “eternal friends” to our neighbors
and cooperating to address the difficulties facing the local community.
“You Came at the Most Crucial Time”
Penco City Councilors in the Biobio Region of Chile,
and officials from the Welfare Department of Concepcion City visited the WeLoveU
Concepcion Chapter to discuss the ways to help the neighbors in Penco,
who were affected by a major fire earlier this year.
In February of this year, consecutive heatwaves and droughts led to wildfires
in central and southern Chile. According to the National Forestry Corporation
of Chile [CONAF], an area equivalent to 8.5 times the size of Seoul was engulfed
in flames, resulting in dozens of fatalities and approximately 7,000 displaced residents.
However, with time passing, the scars left by the wildfires have faded
from people’s memories. While the recovery of daily life is still a long way off,
prices have soared, making the hardships of the victims even greater.
The last lecture was the global citizenship education by YI Bae-Keun, the
WeLoveU prepared grocery sets for the displaced residents who might
feel lonely with the approaching major holiday, Independence Day.
Large boxes were filled with essential groceries such as various types of pasta,
sauces, rice, flour, canned goods, beans, sugar, cooking oil, coffee, tea, and more.
Then, on September 13, amidst the presence of Mayor of Concepción,
Penco City Councilor, President of Penco Neighborhood Council,
WeLoveU delivered grocery boxes to 60 households affected by the disaster, at the Penco Civic Center.
The disaster victims expressed their gratitude with tears welling up in their eyes.
Penco City Councilor and President of Penco Neighborhood Council
each presented a certificate of appreciation to WeLoveU.
Alvaro Ortiz Vera, Mayor of Concepcion
“I am the Mayor of Concepción and also the President of the Association of Municipalities of the Entire BioBío Region. February was truly a tragic month for our Biobío Region. Fierce wildfires caused damage to livestock and farmland in various areas,I ncluding Penco. As the holiday season approaches, I express my gratitude for your support to the wildfire victims. Thanks to WeLoveU, the victims’ concerns about food have been eased off. WeLoveU has given beautiful gifts to the victims during the holiday season.”
Alvaro Ortiz Vera, Mayor of Concepcion
Maria Carolina Inostroza Verdugo, Penco City Councilor
“In Penco, 43 households were completely destroyed by the wildfires. Even the homes that were barely rebuilt have suffered further damage from recent heavy rains. Your support with groceries during this critical time is especially appreciated. I also express gratitude for the work Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah is carrying out throughout the world. We Love You.”
Maria Carolina Inostroza Verdugo, Penco City Councilor
Rumualdo Sáez Carrillo, President of Penco Neighborhood Council
“This is a vast rural area, where many neighbors have lost their livelihoods due to the wildfires. We have been spending days like an unpredictable disaster. At a time when the tragedies in our region were slowly being forgotten, you came at the most crucial moment. During the holiday season when we feared we would go hungry, thanks to you, we were able to spend enjoyable time with our families. We are truly, truly grateful.”
Rumualdo Sáez Carrillo, President of Penco Neighborhood Council
On that day, the WeLoveU members also personally visited the neighbors’ homes
to deliver the gift boxes, wishing for them to swiftly return to normal life.
Donation for Wildfire Victims
Donation of 100 Million KRW to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association
In April, due to the continued drought, large wildfires broke out across the country: Yeongju in North Gyeongsang Province, Suncheon and Hampyeong in South Jeolla Province, Daejeon, Okcheon in North Chungcheong Province, and Hongseong and Geumsan in South Chungcheong Province. Many victims who lost their homes in an instant are still suffering, living in temporary housing without being able to return to their daily lives even after the wildfire is extinguished.
On September 4, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation delivered 100 million KRW to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association(hereinafter referred to as Hope Bridge) to help wildfire victims. The donation ceremony was held at the Hope Bridge Headquarters in Mapo-gu, Seoul, being attended by officials such as Hope Bridge Chairman Song Pil-ho and Secretary General Kim Jeong-hee. The Intl. WeLoveU Foundation Director Lee Seung-eon said, “I hope that Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah’s love and comfort will be conveyed to the hearts of the victims.” The members of Hope Bridge said, “The wide range of volunteer services of WeLoveU led by Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah is amazing. We will deliver the donations and the warmth of WeLoveU members to the victims.”
Through the 24th New Life Family Walkathon held on April 23, WeLoveU decided to help neighbors in need in 24 countries, including Korea wildfire victims and Turkiye earthquake victims. This donation on September 4 was made as part of that decision.
Due to “global tropicalization,” which goes beyond global warming, precipitation in spring and winter decreases and dry weather continues, leading to an increase in naturally occurring wildfires; and the number of cases of artificially generated wildfires spreading to a large scale is also increasing. According to the Korea Forest Service, the number of domestic wildfires in 2022 reached an all-time high of 756, and this year, wildfires are expected to become more frequent and exceed that record. In December 2019 and April 2022, WeLoveU delivered a message of encouragement by donating 100 million KRW worth of local gift certificates and 50 million KRW to the Gangwon Provincial Office for the wildfire victims in Gangwon Province, who suffered great damage from successive large-scale wildfires.