"Cheer Up Gwangju" Donation Efforts Continue for COVID-19 and Flood Damage Recovery

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] A series of acts of sharing and solidarity are continuing to support Gwangju, which is struggling due to the resurgence of COVID-19 and heavy rains.

According to Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 4th, donation ceremonies were held consecutively on the day by the World Honam Association Federation, Gwangju Bus Transportation Business Association, and Smart Tech Co., Ltd.

The World Honam Association Federation donated about 33 million won in "Gwangju Love Donations" and 6 million won in "Hometown Love Scholarships" to support vulnerable groups affected by the heavy rains.

The World Honam Association Federation consists of about 2 million overseas Koreans from Honam, with 69 branches in 26 countries, and has been holding the World Honam Day commemorative event every October since 2016.

Lee Dong-su, former president of the World Honam Association Federation, said, "I am pleased that overseas compatriots could voluntarily collect donations bit by bit to help those in our hometown suffering from heavy rains and COVID-19," adding, "I hope the donations will help overcome difficulties."

The donations from the Honam Association will be used to support vulnerable groups and facilities damaged by the heavy rains, and the scholarships will be provided to local middle and high school students with exceptional hometown pride and promising futures.

The Gwangju Bus Transportation Business Association donated 100 million won to overcome the COVID-19 crisis.

The Gwangju Bus Transportation Business Association has supported international events held in the region such as the Gwangju World Swimming Championships and the Gwangju Universiade, as well as local cultural events, and has continuously engaged in donations to welfare facilities and volunteer activities.

Im Dong-chun, chairman of the Gwangju Bus Business Association, said, "I hope the donation will be of some help in overcoming COVID-19," adding, "We are doing our best in disinfecting city buses and garages, so citizens can use city buses with peace of mind."

Mask manufacturer Smart Tech Co., Ltd. delivered 20,000 KF94 masks on the day to prevent COVID-19 infection.

Kim Soon-jae, CEO of Smart Tech Co., Ltd., said, "We deeply thank Gwangju City, which is working hard to end COVID-19, and the medical staff working on the front lines," adding, "Smart Tech Co., Ltd. will do its best to contribute to the stable supply of health masks and the creation of local jobs."

Mayor Lee Yong-seop said, "In this difficult situation where COVID-19 is prolonged and heavy rains have occurred, the warm and caring hands that think of neighbors first will be a great comfort to the citizens of Gwangju," adding, "As we have overcome numerous crises with the spirit of sharing and solidarity in Gwangju, we will do our best to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and promptly restore flood damage."

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