These are the words of a participant at the ‘Pinky Promise’ volunteer activity regularly hosted by the Chuncheon branch of Shincheonji Volunteer Group.

On the 5th December, the Chuncheon branch held a 'Year-End and New Year Light Event' at a cultural centre in Chuncheon to end the year on a meaningful note with people with disabilities through the regular 'Pinky Promise' activity.

Just as the little finger is the smallest and weakest of the five fingers, but is an essential part of the body, the purpose behind the initiative is to promote the importance of disability inclusion.

In particular, like the little finger that people usually use when making promises, the initiative is also purposed to break down the barriers between persons with disabilities and those who are able-bodied and become one through love.

The Chuncheon branch of the volunteer group operated various experience booths during regular volunteer activities on that day. About 60 people, including volunteers, including members of the Gangwon Association for Persons with Disabilities, disabled people in employment at the Lakeside Lake Work Centre, and people with disabilities using Dora Spring, attended the event.

They spent precious time conversing with each other and participating in recreation such as quizzes and singing competitions, and making lemonade, Shrinkles keyrings and mood lanterns.

Chang-hwan Choi, a member of the Association for Persons with Disabilities, who participated in the event, showed a lively appearance by actively solving quizzes with fellow member Nam-sik Song, who have shared a long-term friendship for 7 years.

They said, “We try to understand and cover each other’s shortcomings,” and added, “We are grateful for the preparation of today’s event, and we are happy that we can participate in it together.”

At the mood light-making booth experience, beneficiaries wrote down wishes such as 'Please stay healthy' and enjoyed the year-end atmosphere with twinkling lights.

An official from the Chuncheon branch of the volunteer group who attended the Pinky Promise service said, “Seeing the warm and bright faces of today’s beneficiaries warmed my heart and gave me strength. If there is another event like this in future, I will attend.”