The 20th New Life Family Walkathon took place at Peace Square in Seoul World Cup Park. On May 6, over 6,000 participants, including Intl. WeLoveU Foundation Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah and ambassadors from 16 countries, attended the event. This walkathon provided support to wildfire victims in Gangwon Province, abused children, marginalized families, multicultural families in Korea, and refugees and vulnerable populations in 11 overseas countries. Additionally, a ceremony was held to proclaim the “Save the World Vision” for a hopeful future.
New Life Family Walkathon Gives a Message of Love for the Global Village
On May 6, 2019, the New Life Family Walkathon celebrated its 20th event. Organized by the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation, and sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Sejong Hospital, and the Korea Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, the walkathon took place at Peace Square in Seoul World Cup Park. As the event began, over 6,000 participants, including Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, WeLoveU board members, WeLoveU members, Yi Bae-keun, President of Korea Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Lee Woo-kyun, Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network [SDSN] Korea Committee, diplomats from 16 countries, and their families gathered. The event aimed to support global families suffering from various disasters and climate change.
At the opening ceremony, Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah stated that “family is the smallest unit of human happiness,” and emphasized that the entire world is now one family. She urged everyone to send love and support to families around the globe who are facing difficulties and suffering. The ambassadors in attendance expressed their gratitude to WeLoveU for leading efforts to help global neighbors affected by various disasters and poverty. Following their congratulatory remarks, a donation delivery ceremony was held. Through this walkathon, WeLoveU is providing aid to victims of the Gangwon Province wildfire, four group homes for abused children, 135 underprivileged and multicultural families in Korea, and refugees, disaster victims, climate refugees, and vulnerable groups in 11 other countries.
“Save the World” Unites the World
Next, the “Save the World” Vision Proclamation Ceremony took place. “Save the World” is a global environmental project aimed at creating a healthy planet and a hopeful future, inspired by a mother’s love for the global family. The project has five specific goals: Saving the Earth, Saving Lives, Saving Humanity, Strengthening Community Governance, and Building a Global Network. WeLoveU representatives and ambassadors from various countries pledged to cooperate and engage in the Save the World project.
After Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah declared, “We proclaim the Save the World Vision,” the walkathon began. Participants walked step by step, hoping to spread love and happiness to those in need. Families enjoyed the route together, sharing smiles and laughter as they admired the blooming spring flowers.
Highlights of the New Life Family Walkathon
On the day of the event, participants aligned with the Save the World project by reducing the use of disposable items and opting for public transportation. They also carried signs made from recycled materials, reflecting their commitment to caring for the environment. At the Peace Square, various side events were organized. Panels were displayed in the center of the square, highlighting issues of climate change and refugees around the world. Surrounding the area were photo zones, face painting booths, and cultural experience booths representing eight different countries.
Ambassadors’ families and WeLoveU members broadened their global perspectives by learning about the history, culture, and lifestyles of different nations. The Honduran Ambassador to Korea, who attended with his entire family, said, “We speak different languages and have diverse cultures, but we all share a love for our families,” and expressed gratitude for WeLoveU’s efforts to help the world as if it were one big family. WeLoveU’s steps of love, dedicated to a clean earth, a hopeful future, and a happy global community, will continue onward.
