August 5, 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C.—More than 2,000 members of the International WeLoveU Foundation have gathered in the National Mall to walk for 2 miles for a good cause: The East Coast New Life Family Walkathon. The Walkathon is to help raise funds and awareness for The #BrightHaiti Project. All proceeds of the Walkathon will go to the purchase and installation of solar panels to aid in electricity and school supplies for the children. This project was created with the aspiration to bring more electricity to those in need in the country of Haiti, who currently only 2.5 million out of 10 million people living on the island are connected to the power grid.
“The love of a mother is the core to each and every activity, initiative and event carried out by the International WeLoveU Foundation,” said Daniel Lee, President of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation East Coast Region. “In this world where individualism is increasing, people in tough times are often left behind in despair. For those with such difficulties, the best solution is a mother’s love. It is only a mother’s love that has the capacity to care for and consider all people of the world.”
The day began with performances consisting of National Anthem, Color guard, traditional Haitian dance and finally the walkathon. The attendees consisted of government officials, volunteers and families, whom came from along the East Coast as far up as Maine and as far down as Miami, Florida. The purpose of this Walkathon is to help raise funds and awareness for the #BrightHaiti Project, which is currently in its Second Phase.
Approximately 1,400 miles from Washington, D.C. is the island of Haiti, It’s the third-largest country in the Caribbean with Cuba and Dominican Republic following behind. However, only one-fourth of Haiti has access to electricity. In Haiti their hours of productivity are available between five to nine hours a day; being limited by sunlight hours. In Haiti, blackouts are frequent and it can stop anyone’s daily activities. The members of the International WeLoveU Foundation, who do not overlook global neighbors’ concern took the lead in aiding the citizens of Haiti by involving the East Coast within the #BrightHaiti Project.
About the International WeLoveU Foundation
The International WeLoveU Foundation is an NGO associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications. Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah founded WeLoveU as a vehicle to promote unity and friendship among all people of the global village—beyond nationality, race, religion, and socioeconomic status—through impactful volunteerism within the initiatives of blood drives, social welfare, environmental protection, and international aid. WeLoveU has received more than 100 honorary and presidential awards from various countries and governments including the U.S. President’s Call to Service Award for volunteerism and the Green Apple Award for best environmental practice. Today WeLoveU is located in more than 50 countries around the world. For more information, visit weloveuusa.org.