The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch organized a special community event to extend support to earthquake victims in western Colombia. On September 12, the organization collaborated with the Central Federation for Preservation of the Earth Environment to hold the "Colombia Hope Sharing Flea Market" at Sin Yong Bitgoeul Neighborhood Park in Gwangsan-gu. This effort aimed to raise awareness of the severe disaster situation in South America while collecting emergency relief funds through community participation. The event brought together residents, volunteers, and local participants to share resources, sell unused goods, and collect monetary donations to aid recovery efforts.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit western Colombia on August 10, causing catastrophic damage across the region. According to statistics released on September 10 by Colombia's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management and Asocapitales, the death toll exceeded 330 individuals, with more than 466,000 people affected. Colombia is located along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region known for high seismic and volcanic activity. The tremor damaged essential infrastructure, including homes, schools, medical facilities, and roads, creating an urgent need for long-term international assistance and local support.
Participants of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch hold a banner for the Colombia Hope Sharing Flea Market to collect disaster relief funds.
Event Overview
Event Details, Organizer, and Objectives
The flea market took place on September 12 at Sin Yong Bitgoeul Neighborhood Park located in Gwangsan-gu. Led by Yu Jae-wook, the head of the Gwangju Branch, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group hosted the gathering alongside the Central Federation for Preservation of the Earth Environment. A total of 20 teams comprising citizens and volunteers registered as sellers to set up booths and sell donated items.
The primary goal of the event was to inform the local community about the tragic impact of the Colombia earthquake and encourage voluntary civic engagement. The funds gathered from sales were dedicated entirely to support emergency relief operations and structural recovery for affected Colombian residents.
The event held additional historical significance due to the long-standing relationship between South Korea and Colombia. Colombia was the only Latin American nation to send combat troops to assist South Korea during the Korean War. According to statistical records from the Institute for Military History under the Ministry of National Defense, 213 Colombian soldiers were killed in action and 448 were wounded. Participants at the event joined the cause to honor the sacrifices made by Colombian veterans, returning the support during Colombia's time of disaster.
Citizens inspect second-hand goods and toys at a booth during the Colombia earthquake relief flea market event.
Main Activities
Goods for Sale and Interactive Visitor Programs
Sellers prepared a wide variety of functional, gently used household items to encourage resource recycling and charitable giving. Booths featured items such as clothing, footwear, bags, toys, general daily necessities, and potted plants. Visitors engaged in eco-friendly consumer habits by purchasing pre-owned items to support the fundraising drive.
Alongside the market stalls, organizers hosted interactive activities and awareness campaigns:
Knot bracelet making workshops and sales of lucky turtle crafts.
Educational promotional booths detailing the epicenter, magnitude, and damage scale of the earthquake.
A designated message board area where visitors wrote letters of encouragement.
Small outdoor musical performances to entertain attendees.
Citizens wrote comforting notes on the board, leaving messages such as "Cheer up, people of Colombia," "Even though we are far apart, we will always support you," "I hope our hearts reach you," and "Please remember that there are people on the other side of the world cheering for you."
Key Messages and Responses
Participant Quotes and Official Remarks
Participants expressed meaningful reflections on the event's historical context and community impact. A high school student attending the event noted learning for the first time that Colombia dispatched soldiers to help South Korea during the Korean War, stating a desire to remember that aid and send warm support back to Colombian residents today.
A citizen vendor expressed gratitude, sharing that giving unused items new life to help earthquake victims made the initiative deeply fulfilling, while thanking visitors who bought items and left warm messages.
The sellers donated the total proceeds generated from the market to the organization. In total, 4.6 million won was raised. The funds will be transferred through the Gwangju Branch to earthquake-affected regions in Colombia to provide emergency aid and support regional reconstruction efforts.
A representative from the Gwangju Branch stated that Colombia sent soldiers to fight alongside Korea during the Korean War, making it Korea's turn to stand by Colombian citizens suffering from a natural disaster. The representative added that they hope the sincere hearts of sellers, volunteers, and citizens bring comfort and hope to the victims, promising to continue future activities aiding neighbors facing environmental and disaster challenges.
A citizen vendor expressed gratitude, sharing that giving unused items new life to help earthquake victims made the initiative deeply fulfilling, while thanking visitors who bought items and left warm messages.
The sellers donated the total proceeds generated from the market to the organization. In total, 4.6 million won was raised. The funds will be transferred through the Gwangju Branch to earthquake-affected regions in Colombia to provide emergency aid and support regional reconstruction efforts.
A representative from the Gwangju Branch stated that Colombia sent soldiers to fight alongside Korea during the Korean War, making it Korea's turn to stand by Colombian citizens suffering from a natural disaster. The representative added that they hope the sincere hearts of sellers, volunteers, and citizens bring comfort and hope to the victims, promising to continue future activities aiding neighbors facing environmental and disaster challenges.
A local resident makes a purchase at the flea market stall to contribute to the Colombia earthquake emergency relief fund.
Meaning of the Event
The flea market successfully merged environmental resource recycling with international humanitarian relief. By leveraging historical ties to the Korean War, the event provided local residents a tangible way to participate in global aid initiatives while fostering civic responsibility and solidarity.
The "Colombia Hope Sharing Flea Market" demonstrated how local civic action can make an international impact. Through shared history, voluntary donations, and community participation, 4.6 million won was successfully raised to help earthquake victims in Colombia.
How do you think local community events can best support international disaster relief efforts? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!
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