[Initial Perspective] Even a Small Credit is Good

A few days ago, a package arrived at the company. It was an unexpected gift of a teddy bear from an international child sponsorship organization I had casually decided to support during my early days as a junior reporter. A plaque of appreciation was also enclosed, inscribed with the grand phrase, "Through the unwavering love of our sponsors over 15 years, children have been able to take steps forward beyond poverty." In truth, I had only sent sponsorship money so far and, using busyness as an excuse, had not built a deep bond with the sponsored child. I only occasionally heard that when a child grows up, the sponsorship money is passed on to a new child. The child I am sponsoring now is Jeje, who lives in the Philippines. He is the same age as my son at home. While buying Christmas presents for my son, I also sent a gift to another son far away.

On the 27th, when the Salvation Army's charity kettle street fundraising officially began, the Salvation Army was ringing a bell and conducting fundraising in front of Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong, Seoul. Fundraising activities will be held at more than 316 locations nationwide from this day until the 31st of next month. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Every year on December 20th is "World Human Solidarity Day." The United Nations (UN) at the Millennium Summit held in 2000 named solidarity as a fundamental principle of international relations alongside freedom, justice, tolerance, respect for nature, and shared responsibility. The Millennium Declaration described the principle of solidarity as follows: "The challenges facing our planet must be managed in a way that distributes costs and burdens fairly, based on the fundamental principles of equity and social justice," and "those who benefit least or suffer most are entitled to assistance from those who benefit most." World Human Solidarity Day was created to encourage people worldwide to extend warm interest and helping hands, even if only for one day, to those suffering pain and sorrow both domestically and internationally. There are still many people suffering from wars and conflicts around the world, such as the Israel-Palestine war and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Not only abroad but also at home, many neighbors need a helping hand. Every winter, Salvation Army charity kettles can be seen on streets everywhere. Many citizens donate spare change while looking at the Community Chest of Korea’s temperature tower and reflecting on their surroundings.

However, this year, donations and sponsorships have reportedly decreased significantly compared to previous years. Korean society has fallen into a "quagmire of martial law," losing the leisure to look after neighbors. The lawmakers, who once played the last bastion role of democracy by swiftly voting to lift martial law, have now returned to their original selves. They are only focused on their own interests, leaving public safety on the back burner. Various year-end gatherings and events have been canceled, and self-employed people are groaning. Even encouraging year-end donations has become a cautious atmosphere. The hopeful chimes of the Salvation Army charity kettles sound sorrowful.

The donation amount to the "Fruit of Love," which has cared for marginalized neighbors, has decreased by 65.2 billion won compared to the same period last year. The "Temperature Tower of Love," erected in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, is also lower than usual. Last year, it exceeded the fundraising goal and recorded 111.2 degrees, but this year, even reaching the target is difficult. It is hard to find politicians or public officials wearing the Fruit of Love badge this year. The number of politicians selected as Fruit of Love sharing leaders this year is 30 fewer than last year (67 people). Sharing leaders are individuals who have donated more than 1 million won within a year. Looking only at December, among politicians, only Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s name appeared on the donor list.

Despite the political turmoil, the year is coming to an end. Even if it is just for show, I hope voices that can warm hearts in a world that shrinks coldly in midwinter will join in. "Everything is good. Everything is good, but what about those who are hungry right now?"