Beating the Heat: 3,000 Bottles of Ice Water Shared in Gwangju

Beating the Heat: 3,000 Bottles of Ice Water Shared in Gwangju

A cold bottle of water is bringing great comfort to citizens and vendors under the scorching heat in a Gwangju park. From July 7 to 11, the Gwangju branch of Shincheonji Volunteer Group distributed 600 bottles of ice water daily—totaling 3,000—around Usan Neighborhood Park. This thoughtful action provided practical support for vulnerable groups, including elderly individuals living alone and those working outdoors.

The campaign holds deeper meaning as it was funded through recycled clothing drives—part of the group’s ongoing carbon neutrality efforts. By using the proceeds from eco-friendly initiatives to give back to the community, the group set an example of a sustainable and compassionate service model. To many, the cold water meant much more than just hydration—it was a message of care.

While handing out the water, volunteers also educated citizens on heat illness prevention. Key tips included resting in shaded areas and staying well-hydrated during outdoor activities. They also emphasized never leaving children or the elderly unattended in hot conditions.

Many recipients expressed gratitude for the timely and thoughtful gesture. One elderly citizen resting in the park said, “It’s heartwarming to see volunteers care for our health in this heat.” A street vendor added, “My ice water melts so quickly out here—this kind gesture truly comforts me.”

The Gwangju branch hopes this goes beyond hydration, fostering stronger community bonds. They stressed that heat illnesses are preventable if people follow three basic rules: shade, water, and rest. This initiative stands as a meaningful, proactive effort to protect public health during the extreme summer. As heat waves intensify nationwide, the number of heat-related illnesses is on the rise.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, there have been 123 more cases this year compared to the same period last year. In Gwangju alone, 16 people have been affected between June 20 and July 5. As a response, the city is expanding cooling shelters and advising against outdoor work during peak heat hours.

Meanwhile, Shincheonji’s Gwangju branch plans to expand its summer volunteer services in disaster prevention. They aim to prioritize community safety in the face of not just heatwaves, but also floods and other climate-related disasters. As small actions can lead to big change, community involvement is more important than ever.

Reference : https://vo.la/azRoCUo