Cooling Hearts Amid the Heat: Shincheonji Volunteers Spread the Spirit of Sharing Nationwide with “Wise Summer Life”

Cooling Hearts Amid the Heat: Shincheonji Volunteers Spread

the Spirit of Sharing Nationwide with “Wise Summer Life”

This summer was exceptionally hot, with scorching temperatures consistently exceeding 30–35°C on average each day. Despite the relentless heat, there were people who took the time to look around and care for those around them. They were members of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group. They handed out bottles of refreshing ice-cold water, worked up a sweat helping farmers with the harvest in rural areas, and held the hands of national veterans to express their gratitude for their service and sacrifice. 

The campaign was carried out nationwide, with a total of 137 volunteers participating, including 128 volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group and nine volunteers from partner organizations. In total, 631 people, including national veterans, local residents, and farmers, benefited from the campaign.

During the month dedicated to honoring national veterans and those who have served in war, volunteers visited national veterans and Korean War veterans to express their gratitude by presenting them with essential summer supplies and handcrafted longevity portrait frames. In particular, the volunteers shared meals with them and spent time keeping them company and listening to their stories. 

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group expressed their gratitude by serving samgyetang, a traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup, along with watermelon, grapes, and other refreshments. One national veteran who enjoyed the samgyetang smiled brightly and said, “The broth was light yet rich in flavor. After finishing a whole bowl, I feel like I’ll be able to get through the summer heat just fine.” Another Korean War veteran said, “It must have been quite difficult to prepare samgyetang in such hot weather. Knowing that you made it yourselves makes me appreciate the care and effort even more. Thank you.” Another veteran added, “I would have been grateful just to receive the samgyetang, but you even cleaned the office for us. I’m truly touched. Thanks to you, I’ll be able to spend the summer in a cool and clean environment. I’m sincerely grateful that you remember us and take care of us every year during the hottest days of summer.”

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group carried out a nationwide heatwave prevention campaign called “Wise Summer Life.” As part of the campaign, volunteers distributed summer care kits containing handheld fans and essential daily supplies. At busy locations such as bus terminals, beaches, and hiking trails, they handed out ice-cold water, iced coffee, handheld fans, cooling arm sleeves, and other items while providing guidance on how to prevent heat-related illness. Carrying ice-filled coolers, the volunteers also approached citizens first and greeted them warmly, saying, “Please drink plenty of water and take a break in the shade.”

One citizen said, “I have diabetes, so I have to be careful about what I eat. Receiving a cool drink when I was struggling in the heat gave me a great deal of encouragement.” Another citizen gave a thumbs-up and said, “I’m truly grateful that you provided iced coffee, bottled water, and even handheld fans on such a hot day.” More than 605 bottles of ice-cold water and summer care items were distributed to citizens during the campaign. Volunteers also shared health and safety tips, such as avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours and staying well hydrated, while encouraging everyone to stay safe and healthy throughout the summer.

Agricultural volunteer work was another important part of the campaign. Many farming households in rural areas are struggling with an aging population and a shortage of labor. Volunteers visited these farms to lend a helping hand, installing support poles in a 300-pyeong pepper field, thinning crops in greenhouses, and harvesting 1,000 sacks of corn from a 500-pyeong field. Working in the fields under the sweltering summer heat was certainly demanding, but the volunteers worked alongside farmers, sweating together and bringing renewed energy and vitality to the rural communities.

A farmer expressed their gratitude, saying, “It is really difficult to find enough workers in rural areas, but thanks to the volunteers, we were able to get through the busy farming season successfully. Their help and support meant so much to us and gave us great comfort.”

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, a wide range of volunteer activities were carried out across the country. The campaign also produced meaningful results in measurable terms. A total of 631 people benefited from the activities, while 52 longevity portrait frames were produced and delivered, more than 605 summer care items were distributed, and 156 citizens participated in heatwave prevention campaigns. In addition, 58 people took part in thank-you letters and interviews, and volunteers harvested 1,000 sacks of corn, achieving tangible results across a variety of areas. Local community support organizations also joined the efforts, helping expand the reach of the sharing initiative. In recognition of its continued volunteer work supporting national veterans, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group also received a plaque of appreciation from the Korea Agent Orange Veterans Association..

A representative of the volunteer group said, “The hotter the summer, the more powerful even a small gesture of care and concern for our neighbors can be. We will continue working alongside the local community and remain committed to bringing our volunteer efforts wherever there are people in need of help.”

The scorching heat will eventually come to an end, but the warmth of caring for others and sharing with those around us will remain in our memories long after the season has passed. I hope these volunteer activities continue to grow, creating communities where more people can support one another and live together in harmony.

Reference : https://vo.la/t7RnABV