What is the story behind the kind donations from the elderly in Seongbuk-gu?

Elderly Participants in Seongbuk-gu Job Program Warm the Community by Donating 2.7 Million KRW to Help Neighbors

Gaining vitality through senior jobs provided by the district and setting an example in community sharing by donating their income as donations, adding greater significance

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Despite their own financial difficulties, elderly individuals dedicating themselves to helping marginalized neighbors are warming the local community and becoming a hot topic.

The inspiring protagonists are 12 seniors working in the market-type job “Coffee Garden Project Group” at Seongbuk Senior Club (Director Gu Bon-gyu).

On the 27th of last month, they donated 2.7 million KRW to Seongbuk-gu (District Mayor Lee Seung-ro), requesting that it be delivered to neighbors in need.

This donation came from a portion of the profits earned through the 2022 settlement of the Seongbuk Senior Club market-type Coffee Garden Project Group, which was distributed to the participating seniors. The 12 seniors voluntarily pooled their income earned from the senior job program to make a meaningful contribution through this donation.

The Coffee Garden Project Group operates a coffee shop at Jangwi-dong (708 Hancheon-ro), where seniors aged 60 and above directly prepare and sell coffee and beverages. Their love for coffee and the work they started has become a source of income for the seniors, and furthermore, it has blossomed into neighborly love that offers comfort and strength to those in greater need, making it even more meaningful.

One senior who donated on the day said, “Seongbuk-gu created a caf? job for us, allowing us to work energetically,” and added, “I feel very proud to be able to help neighbors in need within the community with the income I earned through direct participation. Though it is a small contribution, thinking that it can help neighbors who are struggling more than us brings even greater joy.”

In response, Lee Seung-ro, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, said, “It is especially meaningful that elderly seniors are donating the income they earned through their own job participation, setting an example for younger generations,” and expressed sincere respect for “the seniors’ passion for work and their loving hearts toward neighbors,” appreciating their dedication.