The Intl. WeLoveU Foundation, which has supplied multiple countries with water pumps since the New Life Family Walkathon in 2008, continues its humanitarian work. On May 9, 2010, the Foundation hosted the 12th New Life Family Walkathon in Seoul Olympic Park to support five countries where water is scarce. It was sponsored by Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare, Sejong General Hospital, Korea Youth Services Center, Maeil Kyeongje TV, and International Association of University Students for Environmental Movement [DAEJAYON].
The WeLoveU Foundation Delivering Water Pumps of Love to Five Countries
The 12th walkathon was planned to provide drinking water to water-stressed countries by installing water pumps. From the morning, participants in orange T-shirts laid out their mats one by one in the Peace Square. More than 10,000 participants, including WeLoveU Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, directors, Sponsor Chairman Lee Soon-jae, PR Ambassador Kim Seong-hwan, and the goodwill ambassadors, attended the walkathon. The guests from foreign embassies in Korea such as Ghana and Cambodia, Director Lee Bae-gun of the Korea Youth Services Center, and President Park Yeong-gwan of Sejong General Hospital also joined the event.
At the ceremony, which began around 10:30 a.m., the New Life Children’s Choir, entertainers, and children of diplomats in Korea presented songs for the participants. Showing the purpose of the walkathon, the WeLoveU played a video that introduced the suffering of water-stressed countries and the present status of the support by the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation.
In the opening speech, Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah reminded the participants that mankind is a family living together in the global village.
She said, “The Water Pump Donation Campaign, which supplies the water of life to the neighbors suffering from water scarcity, requires care and devotion like that of a mother. Let us live a valuable life of giving and sharing with the heart of a mother who never spares sacrifice and consideration for her children.”
The WeLoveU Sponsor Chairman Lee Soon-jae complimented the members, saying, “It is not easy to put our plan into action. However, you always set a good example by putting it into practice.”
Diplomatic delegations from the countries that had received the water pumps through the last walkathon expressed their gratitude with congratulatory speeches. They thanked the WeLoveU for providing clean and safe water and hoped that the members would continue to practice the love for humanity. On this day, the WeLoveU promised to deliver water pumps to five countries―Ghana, Kenya, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Laos.
Sharing Happiness Through Water Pumps of Love
After the participants tried out the water pump at the first part of the event, the walkathon began.
The members filled the park course, walking in procession. Residents waved their hands to greet them when they heard that the purpose of the event was to deliver water pumps to water-stressed countries.
“Before, Korea had received much help from other countries. I think it is now time for us to help the countries that are economically challenged and facing water scarcity. I am glad that the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation is doing it through this family walkathon. I hope that many more people will participate in future events to help the water-stressed countries with more water pumps.” Actor Kim Seong-hwan
Participants said that the walkathon for the healthy and happy life of neighbors in the global village brought them happiness as well.
Kim Hyeon-jeong (from Gangdong-gu, Seoul), who participated after being invited by her daughter and son-in-law, said, “This course along the lake is very beautiful, and I feel like having a pleasant picnic with my family. This event will create a good memory.”
She also said, “After reading an article in the newspaper, I felt sorry that African people were suffering from guinea-worm disease due to the polluted water. Now, I’m happy to help them even a little through this walkathon.”
Saving Resources Is Indispensable for Future Generations
The children who participated in the walkathon with their parents were full of laughter. Adults were also delighted not only to spend a time with their families, but to teach their children how to help neighbors in the global village. After completing the course, the members took a seat in the park with their family and had a lunch happily, cooling off.
On the other side of the Peace Square, in order to help the children understand the importance of water and the necessity to save resources, various simulation booths were prepared: water pump experience booth, water-themed photo exhibition, energy saving experience booth, palm art, nature picture drawing, messages of hope, photo contest, and more. After the walkathon, the event booths were filled with the pledges of support left by children who will lead the future.
On this day, each step that the participants took engraved the love for neighbors in the global village on their hearts. The Foundation will continue to raise residents’ awareness of the water scarcity problem through the walkathon and bring hope and happiness to the world by providing water pumps.