7 Companies in Seongbuk-gu Share Spring Kimchi with 100 Underprivileged Households

National Health Insurance Service Seongbuk Branch, Gireum Jungang Saemaeul Geumgo, Nissan Club, Seongbuk Jeil Saemaeul Geumgo, Emart Hawolgok Branch, Foodmers, KB Kookmin Bank Gireum New Town Branch Donate Sincerely Made Finished Kimchi Purchase

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seven sharing-practice companies in Seongbuk-gu conducted a spring kimchi-sharing event for 100 underprivileged households, which strengthened the hearts of the residents as well.

Seongbuk-gu (Mayor Lee Seung-ro) and Gireum Comprehensive Social Welfare Center (Director Jang Min-gyun) have held the ‘Spring Kimchi Sharing Event’ every May to support the dietary needs of elderly and vulnerable families in the local community.

However, this year, the event had to be canceled due to strict social distancing measures following the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Instead, the district and welfare center conducted monitoring of local residents’ needs and living environments, confirming a high demand for spring kimchi support.

The district and welfare center urgently requested help from local companies, and seven companies including the National Health Insurance Service Seongbuk Branch, Gireum Central Saemaeul Geumgo, Nissan Club, Seongbuk Jeil Saemaeul Geumgo, E-Mart Hawolgok Branch, Foodmers, and KB Kookmin Bank Gireum New Town Branch expressed their willingness to participate, leading to the planning of the spring kimchi event.

Seongbuk-gu, Gireum Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, and the seven sharing-practice companies could not make kimchi themselves but purchased carefully prepared finished kimchi products and delivered spring kimchi to 100 underprivileged households.

Kim ** (81), a senior who received the spring kimchi support, said, “Because of COVID-19, I almost stopped picking up scraps and didn’t have the means to buy side dishes, so I sincerely thank those who shared the kimchi.”

Lee ** (87), another senior, said, “Even when my kimchi ran out, I was too unwell to go out and buy more, so I am very grateful for the kimchi sharing,” adding with a smile, “I never thought in my eighty years that I would welcome kimchi with bare feet.”

A representative from Gireum Comprehensive Social Welfare Center said, “We thank the companies that practiced sharing for underprivileged neighbors during the prolonged COVID-19 crisis, and we made efforts to ensure that the companies’ warm hearts were delivered to those in need.”

Seongbuk-gu Mayor Lee Seung-ro said, “I appreciate the good deeds of the seven companies that helped improve the dietary life and household stability of vulnerable neighbors, and we will continue to carefully monitor residents’ needs and collaborate with local resources to promptly resolve issues.”