ITF Giving Back Campaign

Dear ITF Members and Leaders,

According to Aesop, the legendary Greek storyteller, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”  Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, "Kind hearts are the gardens, Kind thoughts are the roots, Kind words are the flowers, Kind deeds are the fruits.” While President Choi can set intentions and encourage you as its members, it is up to you to bloom and become the fruit. From the very beginnings of its creation, Taekwon-Do has always had a mission to cultivate the moral character of its members and to encourage compassion for those less fortunate and in need. As leaders, it is our responsibility to carry this forward and give back to our communities.

As we close in on the end of the year, we hope and trust that you are doing your part to support President Choi’s ITF Giving Back Campaign.  Many schools have started food drives to donate to those in need.  Others are working soup kitchens to serve the homeless and those with out sufficient food.  In the past we have had members collect and donate blankets, coats, and sweaters to help provide warmth to those in need.  The way you give back or serve your community is not nearly as important as the act of doing it.  It is important to remember that serving is not the same as living and making a profit. 

Giving back is easy.  Find a charity, a cause, a purpose outside of your school to support.  Some have chosen hospitals, orphanages, refugees, and food pantries. Others have chosen children’s organizations. You could also choose organizations that fight diabetes, cancer, or other ailments. The options are plentiful.  

Simply contact the organization of your choosing and find out how to best provide support.   Document your service, write a summary including your school name and INO/MO number and a brief report of what your service entailed and send it to [email protected] to be included in the end of the year summary of how our members continue to contribute and give back to their communities.  In the subject line of the email put ITF Giving Back Campaign.  The report simply needs to indicate what or how your donated, the quantity (how much or how many), the organization(s) supported, and a few pictures of the event or items donated.  

Over the past 4 years, the ITF has donated 59,707 pounds (27,083kg) of food as well as an additional 13,262 complete hot meals to local communities and those in need. That doesn’t even include the coats, blankets, sweaters, and toiletries donated, or the meals served. The giving back campaign is successful because of you. It exists because of the leadership and teachings of our President Choi, Jung Hwa. Please do your part. 

ITF