On May 25, 2003, the New Life Welfare Foundation held the 3rd New Life Family Walkathon in the Jungoe Park, Gwangju, Korea. Through this event, held under the slogan, “Hope and Love for Children in Pain,” the Foundation delivered donations of love to eight children in the families in crisis.
A Beautiful Procession Helping Children in Families in Crisis
Families in crisis, faced with financial difficulties, upsets even the lives of children. In May when we long for the cozy fence of family even more, the New Life Welfare Foundation decided to cheer on the happy lives of children in families in crisis, and support them with living expenses and medical expenses. For this, the Foundation hosted the walkathon and it was supported by over thirty organizations: Gwangju Metropolitan Government, Gwangju MBC, Gwangju KBS, Gwangju Ilbo, and more.
Around 8,000 people, both Foundation members and distinguished guests from various fields, including Chairwoman of the New Life Welfare Foundation Zahng Gil-jah, Lawmaker Jeon Gap-gil, and National Assemblyman Kim Gyeong-cheon, participated in this walkathon. The venue was overcrowded with more than twice the number of people showing up than expected. The guests and city hall officials attending the event expressed amazement at the gathering of 8,000 people in a procession to help neighbors.
The 1st part of the event began with the fanfare of a drum and fife band from Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency. With Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah in the lead, all the participants walked 2.5 km [1.6 miles] around the Jungoe Park. Various side events such as a flower of love delivery ceremony, face painting, etc., were prepared, which made it a more enjoyable time for families.
Sharing With Children in Families in Crisis
After completing the walkathon course, donations were delivered to eight children from families in crisis in the 2nd part of the event. Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah donated a total of 65 million KRW (60,000 USD) for medical expenses and living expenses to children suffering from heart disease and children from single-parent families. The 3rd part of the event consisted of various performances such as traditional Korean music, Korean pop songs, children’s songs, and more.
Although the forecast called for rain, sunshine continued throughout the event. The faces of participants, who gave up their free time on the weekend to help children in families in crisis, were full of bright smiles. One parent, who had relieved her son’s heart disease medical expense worries through this walkathon, expressed her gratitude, being moved by the Foundation members helping children in families in crisis.
Ambassadors of Love Who Deliver Joy and Hope
The Foundation members wished for the families of beneficiaries to have a brighter tomorrow with hope and love in their hearts. All the while, various media outlets, including broadcasting stations and newspapers, covered the story. Gwangju KBC introduced the walkathon in detail on their live broadcast program.
“I hope that you will become ambassadors of love who deliver joy and hope to families, neighbors, and communities.” Chairwoman of the New Life Welfare Foundation Zahng Gil-jah
Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah requested the members who attended the 3rd walkathon to become ambassadors who deliver joy and hope to their neighbors. The footsteps of the New Life Welfare Foundation members will continue to make a bright and warm society by conveying a mother’s love to their families and neighbors in need.
