Donation Parade Shining Brighter Amid Cold Wave
Various Donation Organizations and Participation Methods
Amid political instability and an economic chill, the year-end donation culture is also freezing up. The Community Chest of Korea (known as Sarangui Yeolmae)'s 'Hope 2025 Sharing Campaign' has raised 317.2 billion KRW (as of the 26th), falling short of the target amount of 449.7 billion KRW. The 'Thermometer of Love' rises by 1 degree for every 1% of the target amount collected, reaching 100 degrees when the goal is met; currently, the temperature stands at 70.5 degrees.
Due to companies tightening their belts and the overall economic downturn, donation sentiment has weakened. The 'Honor Society,' a group of high-value donors contributing over 100 million KRW, saw only about 20 new members this month, a significant decrease compared to 55 in the same period last year and 41 in 2022.
Donation Efforts Shine Brighter Amid the Chill
Despite the donation freeze, warm acts of sharing continue. The representative 'donation queen' of the entertainment industry, singer IU, recently donated 500 million KRW. This donation, made under the name 'IUana' (a combination of her fandom name 'Uaena' and IU), was distributed to several organizations including Asan Medical Center, Seoul Child Welfare Association, and Warm Companion. Since her debut, IU’s cumulative donations have exceeded 6 billion KRW, and she consistently donates on anniversaries, birthdays, and year-end occasions.
Singer G-Dragon donated 100 million KRW to celebrate ranking first in the 'Choi-ae-dol Vote' and pledged an additional 100 million KRW. Table tennis national player Shin Yu-bin also generously donated 100 million KRW to help those in need as the year ends.
Large corporations are also practicing tight management but fulfilling their social responsibilities. Samsung donated 50 billion KRW as year-end neighborly love funds, and Hyundai Motor Group contributed 35 billion KRW. The four major groups?Samsung, LG, SK, and Hyundai Motor?have donated over 100 billion KRW in year-end funds this year, continuing the trend from last year.
The most touching donation news comes from small acts of sharing by ordinary citizens. On Christmas, a sixth-grade elementary school student donated 200,000 KRW saved from allowance over several years, along with Christmas cards and snacks. At Busan Station, an envelope containing 2 million KRW was found, accompanied by an apology for fare evasion from 40 years ago.
There is also a story of someone donating money earned by selling scrap paper to help neighbors in need. This donor, a father of three children including a disabled child, delivered the donation along with kimchi and children’s padded jackets, apologizing for not being able to donate a large amount. Jeonju’s 'Faceless Angel' recently donated cash worth 80 million KRW, continuing 25 years of steady giving.
Various Donation Organizations and Ways to Participate
There are about 10,000 donation organizations in Korea, with approximately 1,000 public interest corporations registered with the National Tax Service. The representative donation organization Sarangui Yeolmae is symbolized by three red fruit badges, representing oneself, family, and neighbors.
The Salvation Army, which started in the UK, is a relief organization that goes beyond religious activities to conduct various welfare projects. Its year-end charity kettle fundraising has become a representative sharing event. The Korean Red Cross, boasting a long history since 1905, operates through regular membership fees and sponsorships from individuals, companies, and organizations.
The Bapsang Community Briquette Bank is known for briquette sharing and free meals since the IMF financial crisis. As of 2023, it has supported over 4 million briquettes to about 20,000 households and provided free meals to 50,000 people. Recently, briquette donations have decreased to about one-third, causing difficulties.
The government operates the '1365 Donation Portal' for citizens wishing to donate. Currently, about 1,500 donation programs are registered, and users can check each organization’s activities and disclosure data. Among excellent public interest corporations evaluated by Korea Guidestar, Good Neighbors, Korea Food for the Hungry International, Baboneun Sharing, and Beautiful Store have received the highest rating for eight consecutive years.
Donations are eligible for tax credit benefits. In particular, through the 'Hometown Love Donation System,' individuals who donate to their hometowns can receive thank-you gifts within 30% of the donation amount.
Volunteer participation is also active. About 2.04 million people have participated so far through the '1365 Volunteer Portal,' with those in their 60s being the most active. Volunteer activities take place in various fields such as social welfare facilities, after-school programs, and elderly care.
The warm hands of sharing unfolding throughout our society during the year-end and New Year period show that despite the difficult economic situation, warmth still remains in our society. Regardless of the size of the donation, the warm heart that thinks of neighbors is the true value of sharing.
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