An event was held to convey hope to children around the world with a mother’s love. On April 22, 2007, the 9th New Life Family Walkathon was held at Peace Square in Olympic Park, Seoul. Organized by the New Life Welfare Foundation, the event was sponsored by Ministry of Health and Welfare, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Government Youth Commission, Korea Child Abuse Prevention Association, and Sejong General Hospital.
Hope to the Children Around the World
Children are the protagonists who will lead the way for a brighter tomorrow for humankind. The New Life Welfare Foundation has been working for child well-being with the wish for children around the world to lead healthy and happy lives. Beginning in 2002, every year since that, the New Life Family Walkathon has been a part of supporting children suffering from heart disease or incurable diseases, and child-headed households as well.
The 9th New Life Family Walkathon was held under the slogan, “Mother’s Love to the Whole World.” Over 10,000 members and their families participated, wishing for the happiness of children all over the world. In addition to Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, Director of the Korean Youth Counseling Center Lee Bae-geun, Secretary General of the Seoul Council on Social Welfare Jung Yeon-bo, President of Bucheon Sejong Hospital Lee Tae-hyun along with other distinguished guests graced this event with their presence. Foreign Diplomats in Korea, including H.E. Urjinlhundev Perenlei the Ambassador Mongolia to Korea and John Bosco Dery the Counselor of Ghana Embassy in Korea, too, joined in on this meaningful event and expressed their agreeance for the purpose of helping children around the world.
‘Mother’s Comforting Hand’ for Children Around the World
The ceremony started at around 11 a.m. In her opening speech, Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah expressed her gratitude to the supporting organizations, sponsors, and all the participants. She said, “You are as fragrant as the spring flowers and your helping hands will become the comforting hand of a mother to stop all the pain in the world and present all the children with a bright future.” The guests who succeed to the podium also wished that from then on new life and hope be delivered to children around the world through the Foundation’s activities that are carried out with a mother’s love.
The walkathon began with the tape cutting carried out by Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah and guests. The participants had a joyful time, walking along the lakeside path lush with green leaves. After completing the walkathon, the second part was held at Peace Square. The performances of the New Life Children’s Choir, the Foundation members, and good-will ambassadors who are singers, presented a joyful time for everyone. Side events such as traditional Korean games drew attention since the whole family members could take part in them.
Love and Sincerity Delivered Through Consideration and Sharing
The warmheartedness of the participants who think of children around the world shined their light in the final part of the event, “Deliver Mother’s Love Relay.” As it was a donation event for children in need, many children were willing to donate their favorite items. The children were able to ruminate on the spirit of consideration and sharing, hoping that their love and devotion would be delivered to their friends around the world.
“I can see the future of Korea in your happy smiles and laughter. Let’s give love and hope to children who need our help. Let’s cooperate and move forward together!” H.E. Urjinlhundev Perenlei the Ambassador of Mongolia to Korea
Through this walkathon, the New Life Welfare Foundation supported children in six countries: Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Peru, Brazil, Mongolia, and China. If it is for her children, a mother does everything with unconditional love. With that love, the New Life Welfare Foundation will continue to deliver dreams and hope to children around the world.