Songpa District Launches "Warm Winter Campaign" with Fundraising Goal of 2.17 Billion Won

Campaign Runs Until February 14 Next Year

Songpa District in Seoul (Mayor Seo Gangseok) announced on the 16th that it held an unveiling ceremony for the "Love Temperature Tower" on the first floor of the Songpa District Office on the 14th, and will launch the "2026 Hope Ondol Warm Winter Campaign" until February 14 of next year.

Seo Gangseok, Mayor of Songpa District (fifth from the left), attending the unveiling ceremony of the "Love Temperature Tower." Provided by Songpa District.

The "Hope Ondol Warm Winter Campaign" is an annual sharing campaign jointly organized every winter by Songpa District and the Seoul Community Chest of Korea to support neighbors in need within the community. Last year, Songpa District raised a record-breaking 2.95 billion won in donations and goods, exceeding its target by 800 million won.

This year, the campaign aims to raise 2.17 billion won over a three-month period. Individuals, organizations, and companies can participate by visiting the donation counters at the Welfare Policy Division of Songpa District Office or local community centers, or by donating via credit card, bank transfer, or simple payment using the attached QR codes.

The campaign officially began with the unveiling ceremony of the "Love Temperature Tower." The event included the campaign launch announcement, unveiling of the temperature tower, donation and goods handover ceremony, and the distribution of "Love Piggy Banks" in sequence.

This year's first donation was made by the Gangdong branch of Lotte Chilsung Beverage, which has supported the campaign for three consecutive years. They donated both piggy banks collected from 15 participating stores and contributions from employees. In addition, Hope Sharing Market donated 1,000 boxes of homemade kimchi, and Lotte Department Store Jamsil Branch donated goods worth 50 million won and around 30 million won in cash for underprivileged children, using proceeds from its Christmas market.

The "Love Temperature Tower" rises by one degree for every 21.7 million won collected, visually indicating Songpa District's progress toward the fundraising goal of 2.17 billion won. All donations and goods collected will be distributed throughout the year to low-income households and welfare facilities, including seniors living alone, people with disabilities, and single-parent families.

Seo Gangseok, Mayor of Songpa District, stated, "Small acts of kindness come together to provide great strength to neighbors in need during the cold winter," and added, "I hope many people will participate in the 'Hope Ondol Warm Winter Campaign' again this year so that everyone can have a warm winter together."