Opening the Sluice Gate Toward Water-Stressed Countries

The 10th New Life Family Walkathon

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The Intl. WeLoveU Foundation began to help water-stressed countries. On May 25, 2008, the 10th New Life Family Walkathon was held at the Olympic Park in Seoul. Among the 10,000 members and their families who had gathered for this event, there were many distinguished guests from all walks of life, including Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah and the directors of the WeLoveU, Representative Director of Sejong General Hospital Jeong Ran-hee, Secretary General of the Seoul Council of Social Welfare Jeong Yeon-bo, and many others. The event was sponsored by Korea Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, Seoul Metropolitan Government, and Sejong General Hospital.

Opening the Sluice Gate Toward Water-Stressed Countries

People in water-stressed countries have a hard time accessing clean and safe water. Many people wander for hours in search of water to drink or depend on a small source of water. In 2006, the United Nations Environment Program reported that one billion people were exposed to waterborne diseases due to lack of clean water.

Intl. WeLoveU Foundation decided to help neighbors in water-stressed countries through the New Life Family Walkathon. Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, in her opening speech, said, “The global village is one family. Let us help African families, who are suffering from water shortage, with water pumps.” She wished that just as small drops of water gather to form a stream and a river, hearts of love would gather and send a river of life to Africa. Through the congratulatory speeches, the distinguished guests too hoped that the tenth walkathon would be a rewarding opportunity to open the sluice gates of love toward the world.

Then, Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah delivered the cost for installing water pumps and water storage facilities to 60 regions in Ghana, D.R. Congo, and the Rep. of South Africa. The members cheered with applause that the water from the pump would convey the hope of new life to the neighbors in water shortage countries.

Helping Water-Stressed Countries, Together With Children!

The walkathon to help water stressed countries began with Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah’s declaration of departure. The members and their families walked on the promenade, enjoying the fresh breeze which cooled them off from the heat. Events such as “Walking While Singing Nursery Rhymes” and “Making a Heart of Love” were prepared for each section and added fun to the joy of walking. Children held their parents’ hands and walked actively.

“In order to help people who drink polluted muddy water in remote areas and contract diseases, not only water pumps but also water storage facilities must be provided. In addition, constant support for children, the future leaders, is essential. In that sense, this event is perfect for that. I think the children who participated today will live happily, thinking of others and volunteering, because they resemble their parents who help others.” Professional Mountain Climber Han Wang-yong

Participants, who spent quality time with their families, agreed that it was also good for their children’s education, thanks in part to the purpose of the walkathon to help neighbors in water-stressed countries. Kim Gyeong-mi (Gwanak-gu, Seoul) said, “My child asked me first whom we were going to help this time. As I explained that there were neighbors who couldn’t drink water because of a lack of it, he was startled and said he felt a new appreciation for water. This event broadened my child’s outlook on things, and also helped us, parents, grow mentally.”

A Wave of Life and Love in a Barren Place

On one side of the Peace Square where the event was held, university student volunteers from the International Voluntary Service Association of University Students [DAEJAYON] held a face-painting booth, a water-saving exhibition, a water-promotion exhibition, and many others, which made the event even more diverse. Through these side events, children reminded themselves of the importance of water. They tried out the water pump and said, ” From now on, we will save water, thinking of our African friends going through water shortage.” It was a meaningful time to build memories among family members and to convey love to the water-stressed countries.

Clean and safe water is directly connected to life. This is why there is a desperate need for water pumps, water storage facilities, and sanitation support in water-stressed countries. The WeLoveU will make constant efforts to provide clean water and ensure hygiene so that the waves of life and love will spread to the barren areas around the world.

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