PRESS RELEASE: A Call to Unite, Shincheonji Australia’s nationwide Beach Clean- Up and Blood Donation drive: Demonstrating the power of faith-led community action.

SCJ Australia’s National Beach Clean-Up Day and Blood Donation month stands as a testament to the power of faith-led community action. From coastal restoration to life-saving blood donations, volunteers highlighted that every small act—driven by love—can grow into a wave of positive change.

On May 24, 2025, volunteers from Shincheonji Church of Jesus (SCJ) came together for a nationwide effort to clean Australia’s beaches. Volunteers from four major cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth—participated in SCJ Australia’s National Beach Clean-Up Day, a powerful initiative demonstrating the collective strength of communities united for environmental care.

Sydney saw 45 participants volunteer, to tirelessly collect over 210 litres of waste across two beach zones. Beyond the clean-up, the event was a celebration of community spirit, with a “Clean-Up to Connect” session featuring fruit, snacks, and games, sparking meaningful conversations and fostering stronger connections among volunteers.

In Brisbane, 56 volunteers took part in a late afternoon effort, filling 15 Clean Up Australia bags with waste before sundown. The volunteers embraced the initiative with enthusiasm, adding to the energy of the event with a lively chant-recording session that boosted morale and unity.

Perth’s clean-up was equally impactful, with 57 participants gathering early in the morning to collect 168 litres of rubbish. The clean-up was followed by a community sausage sizzle, and the event inspired several attendees to express interest in continuing their volunteer efforts, including outreach activities such as aged care volunteering.

Meanwhile, in Melbourne, 31 volunteers from Melbourne Zion made an immediate impact by filling 30 bags—6 of which were recyclables and 24 non-recyclables. Many stayed for a post-event breakfast, continuing their efforts to refresh the local area and raise awareness about the ongoing need for environmental responsibility.

Across all regions, SCJ volunteers proudly displayed banners, engaged with local passersby, and highlighted the importance of individual action for a collective cause. Through this coordinated national effort, SCJ Australia demonstrated the power of local action to make a global difference, not only enhancing the natural beauty of Australian beaches but also deepening the bonds of community.

The volunteering efforts didn’t end there with the end of June and throughout July following a call to action with blood donations starting with Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth , Adelaide and Brisbane. As whole, there were over 100 participants, with genuine commitment to make a difference. Many as first time donors, attended the blood donation drive in their respective regions, with the heart to try. Through participating with Lifeblood, many volunteers also received increased awareness on the life-time impacts of donating blood, the impacts spanning to over 250 lives saved from the united effort by SCJ volunteers over this time period.

The days attending to the different Lifeblood sites across regions also gave opportunities to encourage positivity within the community and led to meaningful conversations with staff and the general public about the SCJ volunteers and group.

When a nurse asked, “Why are you all so happy?”, it sparked meaningful dialogue—Lifeblood staff now look forward to our visits. One Lifeblood staff member commented: “We always know it’s going to be a good day when SCJ volunteers are booked in. Bright SCJ vests and warm smiles also drew curiosity; volunteers shared faith-based values with eager donors. Touching moments also extended to interviews with SCJ volunteers expressing how energised and fulfilled they felt after donating.

Both the National Beach Clean-Up Day and ongoing blood drive is a clear testament to SCJ Australia’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and the power of unity. Hand in hand with organisations like Lifeblood, SCJ Australia looks to encourage future volunteers and participants – with group volunteering as a call to action for Australians everywhere—reminding us that every small action can contribute to meaningful change to the community.