Shincheonji Volunteer Group Busan West Branch, 'Five Senses Journey' Event Breaking Down Barriers Between Disabled and Non-Disabled
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] The Shincheonji Volunteer Corps Busan Western Branch held the “8th Visiting Health Doctor” event on the 19th at Busan Dadaepo Beach, conducting a kite-flying volunteer activity for healing the minds of people with disabilities.
Now in its 8th year, the Health Doctor program is a free medical volunteer service targeting marginalized groups such as foreign workers and people with disabilities who are in medical blind spots.
This event was attended by 20 members from the Korea Disabled Veterans Association Sasang-gu and Saha-gu branches, 10 members from the International Disabled Culture Exchange Changwon City Association, and 7 members from the Korea Disabled Future Gyeongnam Association Yangsan City branch, among others.
This year’s event was planned as a “Five Senses Journey - Healing the Minds of People with Disabilities Volunteer Kite Flying” under the theme of “We are one,” breaking down the barriers between disabled and non-disabled individuals.
True to its title, a variety of programs were prepared, including kite making, kite painting, kite flying experiences, performances, and other booth activities.
Held outdoors for the first time in two years due to COVID-19, participants enjoyed the unique experience of kite flying on this day.
Providing a time to return to childlike innocence, the sky above Dadaepo was filled with kites carrying each person’s wishes.
Mr. Kim, who participated in the event, said, “I happened to join while passing by the sea with my daughter on a holiday outing. Seeing the volunteers providing medical care to the elderly at the booths was heartwarming, especially during these difficult times due to COVID-19, and it was gratifying to see the volunteer group actively engaged in various activities.”
A member who directly experienced kite flying shared, “It was my first time participating in the Visiting Health Doctor program, and watching the kite fly made my heart feel lighter. I wrote wishes for quick healing and peace on the kite and sent them off.”
A representative of the Shincheonji Volunteer Corps Busan Western Branch said, “We want to help overcome both physical and mental disabilities together and provide warm comfort to many people in difficult circumstances through activities that share hope and hearts. We will continue to carry out volunteer activities that are practically helpful to all sectors of society.”
In April, the Shincheonji Volunteer Corps also conducted a “Life ON” group blood donation volunteer activity at the request of the Korean Red Cross.
In just two weeks, over 18,000 people participated in blood donation, greatly contributing to overcoming the national blood supply crisis.
On the 14th, marking World Blood Donor Day, the volunteer corps received a commendation from the president of the Korean Red Cross. On the 16th, they obtained certification from the Korea Records Institute for the shortest period with the highest number of participants and blood donation certificate donations as a single organization, and it is reported that they are in the process of registering with the Guinness World Records.
Previously, in 2020, more than 6,000 Shincheonji members voluntarily participated in plasma donation to help develop COVID-19 treatments, actively contributing to overcoming the COVID-19 crisis and receiving gratitude from the government.
The Busan Western Branch of the volunteer corps regularly conducts various volunteer activities in the community, including the Visiting Health Doctor program, Wall Story, Love for the Country Peace Sharing events, monthly campaigns for good consumption and good donations, and the Dadaikseon program, bringing warmth to the local community.
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