Kia Motors Union Donates 18.73 Million KRW to 'Gyeonggi Food Sharing Corner'

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, received a donation of over 18 million won from the Kia Motors labor union for the 'Gyeonggi Food Just Give Corner,' established to prevent 'Jangbaljang' (people who steal small amounts of food due to lack of food) that emerged during COVID-19.

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 24th that the Kia Motors branch of the Korean Metal Workers' Union donated 18.73 million won to the 'Gyeonggi Food Just Give Corner' to be used for residents facing livelihood difficulties.

The fund transfer ceremony was attended by Governor Lee Jae-myung of Gyeonggi Province, Choi Jong-tae, head of the Kia Motors branch of the Korean Metal Workers' Union, and Choi Eun-sook, secretary-general of the Gyeonggi Social Welfare Community Chest, among others.

The donated funds will be delivered in the form of food and daily necessities through the 'Gyeonggi Food Just Give Corner' to those experiencing difficulties in daily life, including those in urgent livelihood crises.

In his greeting, Governor Lee said, "When we started the project, there was opposition saying that people who are well-off might abuse it, but looking at the current user situation, it is said that fewer than 100 people use each location per day." He added, "Truly, only those who really need it are using it, and there was even a case where someone who received help brought curry from their own home to help others. The community spirit and kindness of our people are much higher than general expectations or concerns. I think they are truly great people."

He continued, "I sincerely thank Kia Motors for working hard to raise funds despite their own difficulties to ensure that people do not suffer from lack of food."

Choi Jong-tae, head of the Kia Motors branch of the Korean Metal Workers' Union, said, "I heard that Gyeonggi Province is providing great support to socially vulnerable groups through good projects. We joined with the hope that the will of the 30,000 Kia Motors union members would be a great help to local citizens. I hope even a small effort will be used well."

Earlier, in December last year, Gyeonggi Province launched the operation of the 'Gyeonggi Food Just Give Corner,' where anyone facing difficulties in daily life can freely use food and daily necessities, and welfare counseling and linkage services can be provided if needed. Currently, 39 Gyeonggi Food Just Give Corners have been established across the province.