Seongbuk-gu's Donation Wave Heats Up During the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Tiger

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Ahead of the Year of the Tiger Lunar New Year, Seongbuk-gu (District Mayor Lee Seung-ro) is experiencing a wave of warm sharing.

Residents, organizations, and companies are continuously donating money, food items such as rice and kimchi, and daily necessities.

The frontline of sharing is always the community leaders. On the 25th, the Seongbuk-dong Community Leaders Association donated 1.2 million KRW to support underprivileged youth, and community leaders from all 20 neighborhoods in Seongbuk-gu are rolling up their sleeves to raise the spirit of sharing.

The Residents' Autonomy Committees are also actively participating. On the 27th, the Jangwi 3-dong Residents' Autonomy Committee, in cooperation with the Saemaeul Geumgo Jangwi 3-dong branch, donated 4 million KRW to support a warm winter for vulnerable groups, with similar sharing activities continuing across other neighborhood committees.

Religious communities are also contributing. On the 4th, the Presbyterian Church of Korea Seongil Church (Senior Pastor Lee Young-bae) donated 1,000 kg of rice and 50 boxes of ramen to provide healthy meals for neighbors in need. On the 24th, Heungcheon Temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (Chief Monk Gakmil) donated 10 million KRW. Additionally, Christian, Buddhist, and Catholic religious facilities throughout Seongbuk-gu are delivering donations and goods.

Companies and organizations are continuing their donations as well. On the 7th, Hyundai Department Store Mia Branch donated 3 million KRW, and on the 11th, the Korea Specialty Contractors Mutual Aid Association (Chairman Yoo Dae-woon) donated 20 million KRW wishing for a warm winter for vulnerable groups in Seongbuk-gu. On the same day, Korea Electric Power Corporation Gangbuk Seongbuk Branch (Branch Manager Park Oh-geun) also donated 2 million KRW to practice neighborly love through sharing with marginalized groups. The Seongbuk Branch of the Korea Association of Realtors (President Kim Jong-bin), which donates annually, contributed 5 million KRW on the 19th.

Inquiries from companies and organizations wishing to participate in sharing and donations continue to come in.

Donations from angels are also ongoing. Following the "faceless angel" who anonymously donated 30 million KRW last December, the story of the "Recycling Angel Grandma" from Wolgok 1-dong, who collected recyclable waste and donated 1,029,820 KRW for underprivileged children, touched many hearts. On the 12th, another faceless angel donated 20 million KRW, continuing the appearance of these generous angels.

Amid high interest and participation in the Warm Winter Campaign, Seongbuk-gu announced that as of January 26, it has achieved 80.2% of its target. Seongbuk-gu set the goal for the ‘2022 Hope Ondol Warm Winter Campaign’ at 1.55 billion KRW, a 7% increase compared to the previous year’s fundraising results.

A Seongbuk-gu official expressed confidence, saying, “With many companies, organizations, and residents expressing their intention to donate, we expect to reach our goal soon.”

Donations and goods from the ‘2022 Hope Ondol Warm Winter Campaign’ will be delivered to low-income households earning less than 120% of the median income in Seongbuk-gu, as well as to social welfare facilities and organizations.

Seongbuk-gu Mayor Lee Seung-ro said, “Despite COVID-19 and various social difficulties, the strength that allowed Seongbuk-gu to overcome crises and move forward came from those who cared for neighbors in need and practiced sharing,” adding, “We will ensure that the sharing from all sectors shines even brighter and that help is delivered promptly to those who need it most.”