KOICA Launches Nationwide "Flowers for Each Other" Campaign to Overcome COVID-19

Hashtags Against Hate, Mask Donations for the Vulnerable
Bouquets or Napkin Art Kits for Participants

[Asia Economy, Reporter Lim Cheolyoung] KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) is launching a nationwide campaign called "Flowers for Each Other" with the aim of supporting local flower farms and social enterprises struggling due to the economic downturn caused by COVID-19, and to encourage mutual support among citizens.

KOICA President Lee Mikyung stated, "COVID-19 not only threatens our health, safety, and livelihoods, but also poses a threat to the spirit of citizenship that enables us to live together. In this hyper-connected society, the COVID-19 situation calls for cooperation and solidarity, not hatred," adding, "Let us express our hopes for overcoming this crisis, our concern for each other's well-being, and our gratitude for the hard work of medical staff." She proposed this campaign with these intentions.

The "Flowers for Each Other" campaign, which runs until May 12, is open to everyone in Korea. Participation methods include: ▲ (Cheer Up!) Posting on social networking services (SNS) with the required hashtags suggested by KOICA, ▲ (Care!) Donating masks to vulnerable groups, or ▲ (Thank You!) Sending gifts of encouragement to medical staff fighting against COVID-19. Anyone who participates in at least one of these activities can join the campaign.

After the campaign, KOICA will select 100 participants from those who used the hashtags and present them with flower bouquets. The first 300 people to donate masks will also receive flower bouquets. The first 100 people to send gifts to medical staff will be given a napkin art DIY kit (an art kit for decorating furniture or accessories by cutting and attaching illustrated napkins).

Specifically, the first method involves posting content related to overcoming COVID-19 on Instagram or Facebook with the required hashtags (#HateDistancing, #StayTogether, #FlowersForEachOther, #KOICA, etc.).

For mask donations, participants should donate at least two masks to facilities for vulnerable groups in their local area, such as child protection centers, senior welfare centers, disability support centers, migrant worker centers, out-of-school youth support centers, or single mother support centers. After making the donation, participants should take a verification photo and post it on Instagram or Facebook with the required hashtags.

To send encouragement gifts to medical staff, participants pay 15,000 won to Lovely Paper, a social enterprise that supports elderly people who collect waste paper. KOICA will then deliver a canvas art piece containing a message of encouragement to medical staff dedicated to fighting COVID-19 in the participant's name and send a verification photo to the participant. Additionally, participants will receive a napkin art DIY kit worth 20,000 won.

Gwak Nayoung (25), who participated in the campaign, said, "I wanted to express my support for those struggling due to COVID-19, and I am happy that I could participate in the 'Flowers for Each Other' campaign simply by using a hashtag. I hope more people join in so that flowers of hope can bloom in everyone's hearts."

Meanwhile, as a public institution of the Republic of Korea, KOICA has been taking swift action to help overcome COVID-19 and achieve social value domestically. Prior to this campaign, in March, KOICA delivered 20 million won in donations from employees, along with masks and hand sanitizers, to vulnerable groups in Daegu and Gyeongbuk. President Lee Mikyung and all executives also decided to donate 30% of their salaries for four months. In addition, KOICA is providing its training center as a temporary living facility for vulnerable groups in self-quarantine in Seongnam and for Korean nationals returning from overseas.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.