A convivial atmosphere warmed up the chilly autumn air of Seongbo Rehabilitation Center on October 17, for its annual festival. The local facility, located adjacent to Aayang Bridge, houses up to 134 residents with various disabilities and provides a safe environment that accommodates their different needs.
Each year, the directors fill the calendars with many events to engage the residents, and last month, the center’s “Community Festa” marked the elders’ calendars. People from all around town participated and contributed to the success of the 2024 “Happiness Sharing Bazaar.” Some even brought in their goods to be sold at the booths set up all around the front courtyard.
Ms. Moon, the director of the facility and a member of the organization committee shared a brief account of the history of the bazaar and this year’s highlights. “There wasn’t a specific reason for starting it, but government subsidies partially fund our facility, and honestly, that’s not enough; it’s challenging to manage with those funds alone. That sparked the idea—to help cover heating costs and support the residents so they can live more comfortably and happily. Each year we have clothes and food items at the bazaar, but this year we have a lot of agricultural produce as well. We also have bulgogi (불고기), udon (우동), yukgaejang (육개장), and bungeoppang (붕어빵) this year, so there’s a lot more variety,” she said.
Members of Minds and Hearts United (MHU) also took part in the celebration and added to the abundant list of treats and trinkets with donations of their own. The club, created in the 2024-2025 school year by senior Anna Yoon, aims to enhance awareness of disabilities and actively spreads this message through their occasional visits to Seongbo. In fact, this wasn’t the club’s first time at the center.
Back in August, MHU and the Disabilities Awareness Club (DAC) worked together to raise over 1,500,000 won through a dress-down day, and the two clubs met at the institution for a donation delivery ceremony of the funds and goods purchased with half of the proceeds. This time, seniors Maria Park, Elisa Triolo, and Anna Yoon joined the locals for their second visit of the year with homemade sweets and homegrown vegetables.
“Our aim is to of course donate and spread awareness about disabilities whether it is mental or physical, and so by being here by supporting, and by donating money or necessary materials, we can do that. And raising awareness is not just about, oh here they are, like, it’s about saying here they are, but they are just like you but just need maybe a little extra help in some areas,” said Elisa Triolo, the vice president of the club.
The bazaar provided an opportunity for locals and residents to interact with the members of Seongbo Rehabilitation Center. “Our residents are people with disabilities, and without the help of non-disabled people, they wouldn’t be able to participate in community events. This bazaar gives them a chance to engage with the local community as its members. I think it has a positive impact on our residents by helping them feel more connected and included in the community,” Moon said.
Many families from the neighborhood joined in on the festivities as well. The Kim family first found out about the event through a poster that was hung up on their apartment notification board and decided to visit. “This bazaar seems like a great event. I knew there was a center for people with disabilities in the area, but I usually never come around here,” Mr. Kim said. “But coming here today, I can see that the facility is well-organized and really impressive. Wishing all the best to the residents and the directors.”
The joyful celebration lasted until 9 p.m. and raised a total of 18,000,000 won, all of which went to facility renovation and future event planning. Overall, the festival boosted connectivity between the Seongbo family and the local community. DIS’ Minds and Hearts United wishes to extend this effort through their upcoming visit on Nov. 24, in which they will organize exciting arts and crafts activities to prepare the center for the Christmas spirit.
Dana Lee • Nov 21, 2024 at 6:30 pm
That is so sweet! We should spread more and more love for the disabled people. It would’ve been a lot of fun with the various things to do! It’s great to spread kindness.❤️