'Warmth Continued Despite COVID-19' Seoul City Raises 39.3 Billion Won in Hope Ondol Campaign

Donations and Goods Increase by 3.9% Compared to Last Year... Year-End and New Year Joint Campaign with 25 Districts and Seoul Sarangui Yeolmae

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The spirit of sharing remained strong despite the COVID-19 situation. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 4th that it raised 39.34 billion KRW through the ‘2021 Hope Ondol Warm Winter Campaign.’

According to Seoul City, the campaign collected a total of 39.34 billion KRW, including 13.32 billion KRW in cash donations and 26.02 billion KRW worth of goods such as food, daily necessities, and quarantine supplies. This amount represents a 3.9% increase compared to last year’s fundraising total of 37.88 billion KRW.

The campaign saw participation from various sectors of society, including daycare children who donated money they saved in piggy banks, residents who anonymously left cash and goods asking for help for neighbors in need, and local small business owners and companies who practiced social contribution by sharing part of their profits.

The donated goods were distributed during the campaign period to vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone, people with disabilities, single-parent families, and social welfare facilities, helping those in need to have a warm winter. The cash donations will be used year-round to support residents in welfare blind spots and low-income households in crisis with living expenses, medical costs, and housing fees.

Kim Seon-soon, Director of Welfare Policy at Seoul City, said, “Despite the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic making things difficult for everyone, thanks to the warm hearts of citizens who think first of neighbors in greater need, we were able to achieve a larger fundraising amount than ever before,” adding, “We will do our best to ensure that the donated cash and goods are delivered well to every corner.”

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