Warmth of Pohang Reaches Neighboring Wildfire-Affected Cities and Counties... 4.15 Billion Won Raised

A Month-Long Fundraising Yields 3.97 Billion Won in Donations and 244 Million Won in Relief Supplies
Mayor Lee Gangdeok: "May the Sincere Support of Citizens Bring Comfort and Hope to the Victims"

Pohang City delivered a warm sense of solidarity by raising a total of 4,152,100,000 won in donations and goods through a month-long fundraising campaign to support wildfire victims, which took place from March 30 to April 30.

This fundraising initiative was launched to support the recovery efforts in five northern Gyeongbuk cities and counties (Uiseong, Andong, Yeongdeok, Cheongsong, and Yeongyang), which suffered significant damage from large-scale wildfires. Not only Pohang citizens, but also local businesses, organizations, and village residents voluntarily contributed to help their neighbors in need.

April 18 Visit to Yeongdeok County (from left: Kim Muyun, Head of Pohang City Public Officials Union, Kim Ilman, Chairman of the City Council, Lee Gangdeok, Mayor, Kim Kwangyeol, Yeongdeok County Governor, Kim Sungho, Chairman of Yeongdeok County Council). Provided by Pohang City

The total amount of cash donations reached approximately 3,970,000,000 won, while relief supplies such as daily necessities were valued at around 244,000,000 won.

In particular, POSCO Group made a generous donation of 2,000,000,000 won, followed by Samil Family with 100,000,000 won, Pohang St. Mary's Hospital with 50,000,000 won, and Pohang Sports Council with 36,000,000 won, as major local institutions and companies joined the wave of giving.

In addition, youth organizations, religious groups, medical and educational sectors, and volunteer organizations all came together to provide donations and relief supplies with one heart.

Beyond the group donations, the spontaneous participation of citizens added a deep sense of inspiration.

Residents of Jukjang-myeon, Singwang-myeon, and Daesong-myeon did not forget the help Pohang received from across the country during the times of the earthquake and Typhoon Hinnamnor. With a spirit of gratitude, they collected and delivered donations together.

The effort did not stop at fundraising. Pohang City dispatched a total of 862 personnel?including public officials, the Volunteer Center, the Marine Corps Veterans Association, public health centers, and medical staff?to the affected areas, actively engaging in on-site recovery work and medical volunteer activities.

Mayor Lee Gangdeok stated, "This support goes beyond simple neighborly assistance; it is a heartfelt response to the warm help Pohang once received. I hope the dedication and solidarity of Pohang citizens will bring comfort and hope to residents in the affected areas."

On April 18, the city directly delivered 100,000,000 won in donations, collected from city hall and affiliated institution employees, to the affected cities and counties.

Based on a comprehensive disaster response system, Pohang City aims to establish a proactive response system for thorough disaster preparedness, while fostering the values of solidarity and mutual growth through a resilient citizen community that becomes even stronger in times of crisis.

Emergency water supply vehicle provided by Pohang City to wildfire-affected counties. Photo by Pohang City