On April 15, 2018, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation hosted the 19th New Life Family Walkathon, a meaningful event for a sustainable future for the earth and humankind. This event was held at the Peace Square in World Cup Park, Seoul, Korea. Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah and the directors from the WeLoveU, embassy officials from 18 countries, including the Jordanian and Spanish ambassadors to Korea, and the officials’ families attended the event. Approximately 13,000 people, including the WeLoveU members, guests, and residents attended, filling the square.
WeLoveU Foundation’s Efforts for a Sustainable Future
Only when the development of humankind complements the natural environment without destroying it can we make our future sustainable. The global village is suffering from various types of disasters, poverty, diseases, and climate change. The UN established the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] in 2015 to make a sustainable future.
The WeLoveU has been practicing various volunteer services with the love of a mother for a sustainable future for the earth and humankind. The annual New Life Family Walkathon is one of such services. The WeLoveU is going to support 115 underprivileged or multicultural households in Korea with medical and living costs, and donate 2,150,000 KRW (200,000 USD) to 20 countries in support of educational facilities, goods, and activities in accordance with the SDG 4: Quality Education.
Let’s Make a Sustainable Future Together
Hoping that this walkathon would be a meaningful step to give hope and courage to the underprivileged neighbors, Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah said during her opening speech, “When we walk together, we gain comfort and strength from our companions by firmly holding one another’s hands.”
Distinguished guests expressed gratitude and respect through their congratulatory speeches to Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah and the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation. They hoped that WeLoveU’s efforts would change the world.
“I believe each and every step we take through the walkathon will create a better world for the next generation, provide an equitable opportunity of education, and help them make their own decisions. Through our participation in today’s walkathon, we are all walking together hand-in-hand toward a sustainable development in the world where no child will be left behind, uneducated, and in despair. Once again, I would like to thank Madam Zahng and all of you who are here today to make a difference with a loving and encouraging heart of a mother. Let’s walk together and change the world!” H.E. Adel Mohammad Adaileh the Ambassador of Jordan to Korea
One Mind to Cheer for a Hopeful Future
After the opening ceremony, Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah began the walkathon with the announcement, “Start!” The participants walked the course, 1.68 km [1 mile] in total, starting from the Peace Square and coming back to the starting point via Nanji Pond and Peace Park. After completing the walking course, the participants toured the panel exhibition that introduced the WeLoveU’s activities and the SDGs. The face painting booths and family photo zone also drew attention.
“While walking, I could feel how precious life and nature are, and I was happy to come with my family. In this age when individualism prevails, I had a meaningful time with my children by letting them experience how joyful it is to help our unfortunate neighbors and to live together,” said Kim Mun-seok, a member from Bucheon, Korea.
Participants and embassy officials signed a pledge in support of the WeLoveU’s activities for a sustainable future. The WeLoveU will continue to carry out diverse types of well-being activities to unite people around the world in order to create a hopeful future for the global village.