The 8th Charity Flea Market-WeAJa
On the 14th of October, WeAJa Charity Flea Market was opened in 4 areas of the nation (Seoul, Busan, Dajeon and Jeonju) with the theme of 'Sharing makes the economy strong! The earth strong as well!'
WHAT IS 'The 8th Charity Flea Market-WeAJa'?
WeAJa is an event that is co-hosted by the JoongAng Media Network, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Busan Metropolitan City, the Dajeon Metropolitan City and the Jeollabuk-do Province. This event aims to sell donated goods and revert the sum to charity. Starting from 2005, it has raised 1 billion, 9 million and 290 thousand won for donation.(Statistics: JoongAng Daily) The WeAJa Charity Flea market is consisted of more than 33 social enterprise booths, auctions of public figure donation and JoongAng Media Network zones.
The Seoul Market was opened in Seoul World Cup Stadium North Plaza and the opening ceremony commenced the event at noon. Along with host representatives, there were many visitors to share the meaning of this event.
Flea Market
Throughout the whole North Plaza, there were numerous booths that sold products from different social enterprises. This was a great chance for promoting valuable products and introducing visitors to unique ideas. A large booth named 'Beautiful shop' sold coffee and other drinks made from fair-trade ingredients. The booth was organized by 'Beautiful Coffee', a Korean fair trade organization.
Other booths included unique dolls made from re-cycled materials. One social enterprise, 'Yonzdoll' explained that all of their products are made of materials that were collected from thrown away garments. Another enterprise named 'Touch for Good' filled their booth with neat bags made from used banners. Visitors learned the environmental contributions of these social enterprises.
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Apart from social businesses, student voluntary groups participated in the flea market as well. Whimoon Boys High School's voluntary group, Doongwoori, opened a market of 100 handmade recycled notepads and 800 re-used goods. From 2010, this group has participated in the WeAJa Seoul Market and donated the profit to the Seoul Daecheong Welfare Center for the senior citizens who live alone. I had the chance to hear some words from the 2012 Doongwoori's leader, Kim Woo Jin.
Could you briefly explain what ‘Doongwoori’ is?
‘Doongwoori’ is a student voluntary group that aims to help the elders who live alone. Our group visits senior citizens every month to share talks or give a hand to anything that they need help in. Also, Doongwoori participates in various activities such as trip to the YangJae Citizen’s Forest, WeAJa Flea Market, Kimchi Making (Kimjang), etc.
Why did ‘Doongwoori’ participate in the WeAJa Charity Flea Market?
We participated with the aim to help old citizens keep warm during the harsh winter by giving financial aid for heating bills through the profit we make in WeAJa Charity Flea Market.
What materials does ‘Doongwoori’ sell in the WeAJa Charity Flea market?
We sell secondhand books, clothes, stationery and donations from public figures. To add, we sell re-cycled materials that had been collected through the whole year for the WeAJa Charity Flea Market.
What have you learnt by participating in the WeAJa Charity Flea Market?
Through my experience in the WeAJa Charity Flea Market, I learnt the correct attitude of volunteering and some economical concepts. By bargaining with visitors, I learnt the ways to satisfy both the interests of the buyer and the seller. Also, I found out that volunteer activities are not limited in active helping but it can also be accomplished through fundraising.
The WeAJa Charity Flea Market did not only offer its visitors with valuable goods but it also encouraged participants to take some action to help poor nieghbours and save the planet. With participants of different ages, all gathered together to celebrate the idea of 'sharing'.
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