On December 9, 2004, the New Life Welfare Foundation took another step of love to actualize child well-being by holding its 5th New Life Concert in the third building of the Olympic Auditorium. More than 4,000 people attended the event sponsored by Seoul Metropolitan Government, Korean Committee for UNICEF, Save the Children, and JoongAng Ilbo Korea Forbes.
The New Life Concert to Actualize Child Well-Being
The New Life Welfare Foundation has been working on promoting child well-being since the 1990s by sponsoring child/adolescent-headed families with their school fees. Since the Foundation officially launched in 2001, it has been enhancing child well-being by visiting facilities for children with disabilities and supporting children with heart disease and other incurable diseases in Korea and many other countries. The Foundation held the 5th New Life Concert to share love with children suffering from heart disease, other incurable diseases, or parentless households, giving them hope for a better future.
At the donation ceremony that began around 7 p.m., Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah expressed her thanks to the participants for gathering in a time when people were not able to help others due to the economic recession. She also complimented and encouraged the members, saying, “Even during difficult times, I can see there are still many people with a generous mind who would like to share with others. Let us change this apathetic world with sincere love from the heart.”
A distinguished guest, Chief of Culture Division of Taipei Mission in Korea Wi Chaoping, expressed his thanks to the members of the Foundation for their cheers at the Universiade Games held in Daegu, saying, “Team Republic of China obtained the best result in its history at last year’s Universiade. It would not have been possible without your encouragement.” He also participated in supporting child well-being by offering a special donation to the Foundation.
The Foundation’s Efforts for Child Well-Being
The Foundation aided 14 children suffering from heart disease or other incurable diseases by helping to pay their surgery costs. Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah delivered the donations and gifts to the children, comforting them sincerely. The members applauded, wishing them good health. The donations raised through the 5th concert benefited 24 children, including children from underprivileged families and parentless households that could not attend the concert due to living in far providences.
The “Sharing Love” writing contest was held as part of the Foundation’s blood drive on November 21. Among 472 participants, Chairwoman Zahng awarded six winners for their excellent description of sharing love with family members or neighbors.
The second part of the concert was kicked-off with an energetic performance by the New Life Children’s Choir who wore traditional costumes of various countries. The singers performed songs from different genres like pansori (Korean musical storytelling), musicals, and pop songs. The audience in the packed auditorium enjoyed themselves by singing along and waving their lit cell phones.
The Love of 36.5℃ [97.7°F] Warming Everyone’s Heart
Chief of Culture Division of Taipei Mission in Korea Wi Chaoping said, “Every part of the concert was wonderful. I was particularly amazed when the audience sang along with the singers in unity. I’m sure all the volunteer services of these members will always be united and successful.” Ms. Yeom who came with her seven-year-old daughter suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis said, “I felt lighthearted through the concert as if my worries were washed away. Since many people are helping us, we will gain strength and move forward.”
“Our heart’s temperature is 36.5℃ [97.7°F], but our small acts of kindness from the heart melts this frozen world. Let us have the love of 36.5℃ [97.7°F] and change the world by creating miracles of bringing dying people back to life.” Chairwoman of the New Life Welfare Foundation Zahng Gil-jah
With the love of 36.5℃ [97.7°F], the members presented happy and heartwarming moments to everyone. The New Life Welfare Foundation will continue to make efforts for child well-being so that children suffering from diseases and poverty may overcome their adversity and dream of a bright future.