Hyundai Motor Leads Canine Blood Donation Culture... Hosts K-League Joint Entrance Event

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Hyundai Motor Company is continuing various activities to promote a culture of blood donation among companion dogs.

On the 31st, Hyundai Motor announced that on the 30th, during the K League professional soccer match between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Jeju United held at Jeonju World Cup Stadium, players participated in an event where they entered the field accompanied by blood donation dogs.

This was the first time in a domestic professional soccer match that players entered the field accompanied by animals instead of escort kids. Blood donation dogs refer to companion dogs that have experience donating blood for charity. They are distinguished from blood dogs, which are raised solely for blood collection under poor conditions. Generally, companion dogs must weigh over 25kg, be between 2 and 8 years old, and have no history of infectious diseases to be eligible for blood donation.

The joint entrance event was held to promote Hyundai Motor’s “I’M DOgNOR” campaign, which aims to guarantee the survival rights of blood dogs and encourage a culture of blood donation among companion dogs. DOgNOR is a portmanteau of Dog and Donor.

Since 2019, Hyundai Motor has been operating a dedicated blood donation vehicle for companion dogs and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Konkuk University to foster a culture of blood donation for companion dogs. The company has been conducting various activities to raise awareness and expand related infrastructure for companion dog blood donation.

At the stadium on that day, a 10-meter-high inflatable sculpture of ‘Deokgu,’ the symbolic character of “I’M DOgNOR,” also appeared, capturing the attention of the audience. ‘Deokgu’ was inspired by ‘Seorak,’ a blood donation dog affiliated with Konkuk University who was rescued from a slaughterhouse in Cheonan.

Additionally, as part of the “I’M DOgNOR” campaign, Hyundai Motor will hold an event from the 3rd to the 7th at the South Atrium in Starfield Hanam, where owners can participate with their companion dogs. Various events are planned, including a talk show with animal behavior correction expert Dr. Chaehyun Seol, companion dog classes with veterinarians from Konkuk University, a companion dog personality test called “Meong BTI,” and “Gyeonsaeng Ne Cut,” a photo booth where owners can take pictures with their dogs.

A Hyundai Motor official emphasized, “Typically, one blood donation from a companion dog can save four other companion dogs,” adding, “We hope the ‘I’M DOgNOR’ campaign will lead to positive changes in dog owners’ perceptions and active participation in companion dog blood donation.”

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