[NGO Now] Hope Bridge Launches Full-Scale Wildfire Prevention Project Linked to ESG

Employees of Hope Bridge planting trees. Hope Bridge

▲Hope Bridge Launches Full-Scale Wildfire Prevention Project Linked to ESG

Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association (President Lim Chaecheong) announced on September 30 that it has officially launched its “Tree Planting Project” for wildfire prevention and forest restoration, based on ESG management, starting in 2025.

Hope Bridge plans to carry out a forest restoration project covering approximately 9 hectares (equivalent to 12.6 soccer fields) of wildfire-affected areas by 2027. The total project budget is about 450 million won, and the association will focus on areas with low natural recovery capacity, actively promoting ecosystem restoration through soil stabilization and customized planting.

Hope Bridge is also recruiting 100 volunteers for the “2025 Forest of Hope Volunteer Activity - Acorn Volunteer Group” to restore forests damaged by wildfires in Uljin County, North Gyeongsang Province. This activity will take place on October 18 in the wildfire-affected forests of Uljin County, where participants will directly engage in forest restoration activities such as ▲acorn collection, ▲seed and seedling planting, and ▲protection of sprouts. In addition, ecological education programs, including wildfire ecology interpretation and seed collection experiences, will also be provided.

Ambassador Sean, who received a plaque of appreciation, is taking a commemorative photo with Shin Misook, President of Holt Children's Welfare Association. Holt Children's Welfare Association

▲Holt Children's Welfare Association Presents Plaque of Appreciation to Ambassador Sean

Holt Children's Welfare Association (President Shin Misook) presented a plaque of appreciation to singer and broadcaster Sean, known as an icon of donation and volunteerism, at its 70th anniversary ceremony held at K-BIZ Hall in Yeouido, Seoul on September 26. Ambassador Sean has served as a promotional ambassador for Holt Children's Welfare Association since 2007, leading ongoing sharing activities for vulnerable groups such as children from low-income families and single-parent households. In his acceptance speech, Sean said, "The 18 years I have spent as an ambassador for Holt Children's Welfare Association since 2007 have been a journey of putting love into action," adding, "I hope that, through Holt, God's love will continue to be put into action and bring hope to more children and families."

The Gyeongbuk Disaster Psychological Recovery Support Center recently conducted the "Mind Relief Program" for 35 wildfire evacuees in Uiseong County. Korean Red Cross Gyeongbuk Chapter

▲Korean Red Cross Gyeongbuk Chapter Runs 'Ocean Blue Healing Sun Has Risen!' Mind Relief Program for Wildfire Victims

The Korean Red Cross Gyeongbuk Chapter (President Kim Jaewang) recently held the “Ocean Blue Healing Sun (海) Has Risen!” mind relief program in Yeongdeok County for 35 wildfire evacuees from Uiseong and 10 Red Cross volunteers who participated in relief activities. The event included ▲lectures and mind relief education by disaster psychology activists, ▲a Blue Road walking experience at Yeongdeok Sunrise Park, ▲making sea glass mood lamps, and ▲a tour of the Renewable Energy Exhibition Hall. The program aimed not only to provide comfort, but also to relieve stress, promote emotional recovery, and strengthen community resilience. The Korean Red Cross Gyeongbuk Chapter operates the Disaster Psychological Recovery Support Center on commission from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and helps disaster victims recover their daily lives by linking emergency relief activities and support services for vulnerable groups.

Photo of the Love Sharing Kit at the Welfare Center. Seongnam Disabled Comprehensive Welfare Center

▲Seongnam Disabled Comprehensive Welfare Center Holds 'Abundant Love Sharing' for Chuseok as Part of 2025 Gyeonggi Vivaldi Sharing Project

The Seongnam Disabled Comprehensive Welfare Center announced on September 30 that it held the “Four Seasons Love Sharing - Abundant Love Sharing” event as part of the Gyeonggi Vivaldi Sharing Project to celebrate the Chuseok holiday. “Abundant Love Sharing” involved assembling food kits for Chuseok and delivering them directly to the homes of recipients. The center also checked in on recipients, monitored their health and dietary conditions, and shared the warmth of the holiday to support emotional stability. Han Changkyung, Director of the Seongnam Disabled Comprehensive Welfare Center, stated, “Chuseok is a precious holiday for families and neighbors to come together, but some families with disabilities face significant challenges preparing for the holiday. Through the ‘Abundant Love Sharing’ project, we hope to deliver at least a bit of warmth, and the center will continue to do its best so that people with disabilities can lead happy lives in the community.”