1st Anniversary of Gumi Social Contribution Support Center: Designing the City Through Sharing

Established for the First Time Among Basic Local Governments
Spreading Achievements of Social Contribution Activities Over the Past Year

Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province is establishing itself not only as an 'industry-centered city' but also as a 'city centered on social contribution.'

In April 2023, the Gumi Social Contribution Support Center was opened for the first time among basic local governments, and over the past year, it has achieved meaningful results by leading public-private cooperation within the local community.

Kim Jangho, mayor of Gumi, is giving a greeting at the opening of the Social Contribution Support Center.

The Gumi Social Contribution Support Center plays a key role in systematically supporting the social contribution activities of companies and organizations. Last year, it signed 12 social contribution agreements and raised a total of 120 million won through 8 fund-matching initiatives.

This fund has been used for projects that meet various social needs in the region. Five major projects serve as examples, including the rental of educational kiosks for digitally vulnerable groups, the 'Warm Table' meal support for middle-aged and isolated households in crisis, and the installation of fall-prevention safety devices for the elderly.

The center has expanded its cooperation base with the local community by providing customized consulting to companies and organizations through 54 roundtable meetings. It also collected and implemented a total of 64 proposals, including 47 from social welfare organizations, 9 from companies, and 8 from the public sector. Through these efforts, the center has further strengthened partnerships between companies and social welfare organizations and promoted a culture of sharing within the region.

The center held the Social Contribution Academy twice, providing 83 representatives from companies and welfare organizations with opportunities to strengthen their practical capabilities. In September, it hosted the 'Social Contribution Culture Week,' presenting a variety of programs to encourage community participation.

In particular, by operating the Social Contribution Zone, the center created opportunities for citizens to participate directly, thereby raising public interest in social contribution.

This year, the center plans to facilitate the exchange of ideas between companies and organizations through events such as the Social Contribution Academy and Partners Day. In September, it will encourage active participation from company employees through the 'Social Contribution Challenge.' In November, the center will launch a webzine to introduce social contribution activities and add sections for citizen participation, further spreading the culture of social contribution.

Kim Jangho, mayor of Gumi, stated, "It is especially meaningful that, as a city with many companies, social contribution activities are naturally becoming a part of our culture," adding, "I hope the center will continue to play an important role in creating the right environment and atmosphere for social contribution."