Gangdong-gu, 2020 Hope Ondol Warm Winter Campaign Achieves Record High Fundraising

Raised 1.619 Billion KRW, 129.5% of 1.25 Billion KRW Goal...Continued Donations of COVID-19 Prevention Masks and Hand Sanitizers for Vulnerable Groups

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon), together with the Seoul Community Chest of Korea, raised 1.619 billion KRW, which is 129.5% of the fundraising goal of 1.25 billion KRW, through the '2020 Hope Ondol Warm Winter Campaign.'

The '2020 Hope Ondol Warm Winter Campaign,' conducted over three months starting November 20 last year, was organized to help vulnerable groups and families in crisis during the winter season.

Although the fundraising goal was set the same as last year considering the economic crisis and the depressed social atmosphere, the warm support from local residents resulted in a high amount of 1.619 billion KRW.

Despite the nationwide psychological contraction due to the economic downturn and the COVID-19 situation, more than 1,000 donors participated in daily tea rooms and various fundraising events.

In particular, the live broadcast fundraising event held in December last year received great response, with an endless line of donors wishing to contribute.

This year, in addition to rice, kimchi, and daily necessities, hygiene products such as masks and hand sanitizers, which are essential for health-vulnerable groups, were donated, greatly helping low-income households, the elderly, and people with disabilities prevent COVID-19 infection.

Along with this, warm donation stories have been shared. Mr. Kim, who makes a living by cleaning buildings, joined the warm donation campaign asking to help neighbors who are more in need than himself. Mr. Ji, who has lived in Gangdong-gu for over 30 years, sent 20 hand sanitizers by courier with a letter explaining that masks were difficult to obtain and asked for them to be used for COVID-19 prevention.

Even after the conclusion of the Warm Winter Campaign, the spirit of helping neighbors in need continues. Mr. Seo donated 200 bags of rice (10kg each) to help neighbors who are struggling even more due to the COVID-19 outbreak and economic downturn.

The collected donations and goods will be delivered with warm care to local neighbors in need such as basic livelihood security recipients, lower-income groups, elderly living alone, and households with disabilities, as well as social welfare facilities (institutions).

Lee Jeong-hoon, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, said, “I am grateful to many people who extended a warm hand even in difficult circumstances,” and added, “We will continue to lead the culture of donation and do our best to realize 'Gangdong, a welfare city that empowers life' by sharing warm hearts so that no marginalized neighbors are left behind.”

For inquiries, contact the Welfare Policy Division of Gangdong-gu Office at ☎3425-5640.