On May 3, 2009, the 11th New Life Family Walkathon was held at the Peace Square of Olympic Park, Seoul, Korea, to deliver hope by donating water pumps to water-stressed countries. It was hosted by the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation and sponsored by Korea Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, Seoul Metropolitan Government, and Sejong General Hospital. More than 12,000 WeLoveU members, including Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, the directors, Sponsor Chairman Lee Soon-jae, and PR Ambassadors from the WeLoveU, attended the event. Many distinguished guests from different fields also participated: diplomats in Korea from six countries, Director of Sejong General Hospital Lee Tae-hyeon, Secretary General of Seoul Council of Social Welfare Jeong Yeon-bo, and many more..
Easing the Pain of Neighbors in the Global Village Through Water Pumps
Water pumps are essential facilities for countries suffering from water shortages. Last year, WeLoveU offered donations for the installation of water pumps and storage tanks in 60 regions of three water scarce countries in Africa through the 10th New Life Family Walkathon. This year, the walkathon aimed to provide water pumps to the water-stressed countries in Africa and Asia.
Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah emphasized that water is essential for all living beings, especially humans. She praised the participants for easing the pain of neighbors in the global village like the “Good Samaritan” who saved the dying person without passing him by, saying, “You are really wonderful global citizens and true neighbors in this age.”
Sponsor Chairman Lee Soon-jae complimented the love and devotion of WeLoveU members, saying, “Water pumps give new lives and improve human health.”
Following his speech, diplomats in Korea thanked the members for donating water pumps to improve the health of citizens in their countries.
Lao Ambassador H.E. Soukthavone Keola expressed his sincere gratitude for the help of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation, saying, “The Mekong River is the main source of water in Laos, but both agricultural and drinking water are insufficient. The facilities for the groundwater development and the facilities for the pumps are not as equipped as those in Korea.”
‘Hope of New Life’ Drawn Up by Water Pumps
At the water pump donation ceremony, Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah delivered the donation pledge to the embassies of Ghana, Kenya, Nepal, Laos, Cambodia, and Pakistan. Water pumps will be installed according to local circumstances after the field visit. Guests were able to try out the water pump. When clean water gushed out of the pump, the members applauded, hoping that clean water and new hope would be delivered to their neighbors in the global village.
Around noon, the walkathon began with the declaration of departure by Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah. The participants looked like a stream of life as they walked together in their blue T-shirts. Various side events such as a water Public Relations booth, a special photo exhibition, and a water pump experience were prepared at the square. Children learned about the importance of water and the suffering of their neighbors in water-stressed countries.
Kim Ju-mi, a member from Mok-dong, Seoul, participated with her students as a teacher of a private institute. She said, “It is a rewarding field trip for children to learn about the severity of water shortage and the importance of living together in the global village.”
Holding Hands Together Toward a Healthy Future for Everyone
The Intl. WeLoveU Foundation delivered the hope of a new life by providing clean water to neighbors in the global village, which received a great response.
Director Jin Yoo-young, who had been making documentaries about remote regions from forty countries, commented, “This event is life itself for people in water-stressed countries.”
An official at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, who had eye-witnessed local people suffering from water shortages while working in West Africa, said, “I’m very happy to help neighbors through this event today.”
“It is difficult to wash our hands with only one hand, but with both hands we can wash our hands more easily and make them cleaner. I think helping each other is the same. According to a UN report, three billion people will suffer from water shortage by 2030. I believe that if this event is repeated up to 50 and 100 times, more people will escape the pain from water shortage. I’m deeply grateful to the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation.” H.E. Lim Samkol the Ambassador of Cambodian to Korea
When we hold hands together, we can overcome any difficulties much more easily. Thus far, WeLoveU members have reached out their hands to disadvantaged neighbors inside and outside of Korea through various volunteer services. WeLoveU will continue to walk toward a bright and hopeful future, holding hands with our neighbors in the global village.
