The Seongnam branch of Shincheonji Volunteer Group held the ‘European Flower Design-Christmas Wreath Making Event’ to celebrate the end of the year on the 21st December.

This event was part of a quarterly companion plant donation service to the Seongnam City Association of Persons with Disabilities, and was planned to promote emotional wellbeing through plants by making Christmas wreaths using fresh flowers.

The lecturer on that day was the director of the Hosanna Flower Art Centre of the Korea Flower Design Association, a full-time instructor of flower arrangement and Korean paper craft at the Yongsan Cultural Centre, and provided a time for healing while making wreaths through basic gardening classes using cypress and cedar trees.

An official from the Seongnam branch of Shincheonji Volunteer Group said, “In the West, there is a precedent of making wreaths using parasitic plants that ward off misfortune and bring fortune and hanging them on the front door as a wish for good luck.” He added, “In this way, the members of the Association of Persons with Disabilities are also hoping for good luck and good health.”

A member of the Association of Persons with Disabilities who attended the event said, “It was a time of calm and healing as we touched and smelled phytoncide-filled flowers along with Christmas carols,” and added, “It was the first time in a long while that I was able to properly feel the Christmas atmosphere at the end of the year.”

The director of the Seongnam City Association of Persons with Disabilities said, “It was an enjoyable experience to feel the end-of-year atmosphere as the programme was planned in accordance with the Christmas season.” He added, “I'm grateful to the volunteer staff for preparing a special programme for the Association of Persons with Disabilities every quarter.”

Man-gi Jin, head of the Seongnam branch of Shincheonji Volunteer Group, said, “Through this event, I hope that members of the Association of Persons with Disabilities will make precious memories, have a warm end to the year, and have a healthy new year.”