The 10th New Life Family Walkathon

On May 25 (Sunday), the 10th New Life Family Walkathon was held by the IWF, sponsored by the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, Seoul City and Sejong General Hospital. In this walkathon, many celebrities attended: IWF Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, IWF Chief Director Lee Gang-min and other directors, IWF Sponsor Chairman Lee Sun-jae, IWF Senior Advisor Lee Bae-geun, IWF PR Ambassador Kim Seong-hwan, IWF PR Ambassador Kim Bo-seong, Jeong Ran-hee the Representative Director of Sejong General Hospital, Jeong Yeon-bo the Secretary General of Seoul Council of Social Welfare, Professional Mountain Climber Han Wang-yong, Professional Mountain Climber Yun Gil-su, Vocalist Yun Tae-gyu, Harry A.C. van Woerden the Head of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency in Korea, Rundla Rusima Jimi the Counselor of the Embassy of DR Congo, John Bosco Dery the Councilor of the Embassy of Ghana, Bev. Sodan the Chairwoman of the American Women’s Club in Korea and many more.

In the Peace Square of Olympic Park, around 10,000 members gathered to deliver the water of life to Africa. On the square, 100 members from the International Voluntary Service Association of Univ. Students [Daejayon] offered face-painting and ran a water-saving exhibition booth and a water PR booth. Following the New Life Children’s Choir and the marching band’s performance, Vocalist Yun Tae-gyu, PR Ambassador and Actor Kim Seong-hwan and Vocalist Kim Je-hun entertained the members by singing impromptu songs on the stage.

Around 10 a.m. at the opening address of the ceremony, IWF Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah appealed to the audience, saying, “We are one family living in the global village, so we should share love with our African family suffering from water shortage by sending the water pumps.” She also emphasized that water is life itself and said, “As little drops of water gather to form a stream and the streams gather to make a river, let us put our love together and let it flow to Africa.”

Following the congratulating speech from IWF Sponsor Chairman Lee Sun-jae, IWF Senior Advisor Lee Bae-geun, Harry A.C. van Woerden the Head of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency in Korea, and Bev. Sodan who has been doing active charity business for long in Korea as the chairwoman of the American Women’s Club in Korea, all stood on the stage. Bev. Sodan complimented the efforts of the IWF for delivering new life to children and said, “The water deficiency is a world wide issue, and annually five million people face death for the water pollution. Now we, who are living together on earth, need to help each other.” She pledged to make continuous efforts together with the IWF to help neighbors in the global village.

Then the expenses for setting up the water pumps and water storage facilities were delivered to Ghana, DR Congo and the Republic of South Africa. The donation will be used to set up the water pumps and storages facilities in 60 regions in the above three countries. The guests tried out a pump set up beside the stage, and wished Africa to be revived with the water of love and new life.

After the ceremony, Chairman Zahng Gil-jah opened the Walkathon. A breeze cooled down the heat of early summer with the fragrance of grass, and the walking path was overflowed with the members in turquoise green shirts that looked like a flowing river. In the month of May when everything seems alive, children were full of vitality, walking hand in hand with their parents. On the walking path, various events were prepared for the participants: “Walking Hand in Hand,” “Walking While Singing Children’s Songs,” ‘Walking While Breaking Soap Bubbles,” and “Making the Shape of Heart.” Also, friendly characters like Shrek and Keroro added more fun to the events.

Kim Gyeong-mi (37) from Gwanak-gu, Seoul, said, “My child asked me first whom we were helping this time. As I explained that our African neighbors were suffering from the lack of water, he was very surprised and said that he felt thankful for water. Through this event which promotes world wide benefit rather than individual interest, both parents and children come to have a broad mind and grow mature mentally.” The participants, who had a good time together with their family, said, “Through this event, we’ve built up our health both physically and mentally. It was very nice to have a family picnic and do something good as well.”

Professional Mountain Climber Han Wang-yong, who had climbed up all 14 peaks of the Himalayas, which are over 8,000m, emphasized the educational effects of this event. He was very moved that many children participated in the event and said, “We often see local people drink polluted muddy water and contract diseases. In order to help them, not only the water pumps but also water storage facilities are needed. Also, education for children who are future leaders is essential for constant support, and this event is a great opportunity for that. The children who’ve taken part in this walkathon will live happy lives, considering and serving others, because they will resemble their fathers and mothers who help others.”

At this age when the earth suffers from serious illness caused by human selfishness, the environmental movement with the spirit of “sharing” is essential for the survival of mankind. As little drops of water gather to form a stream and then a river and then an ocean, if we respect life and gather our love and effort, the global village will overflow with love and life.