Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital has donated 48.42 million won ($47,000) to ChildFund Korea's South Jeolla Province chapter through its "One Meal of Sharing" campaign, reaffirming a tradition of staff giving now in its 17th consecutive year.
The campaign is a corporate social responsibility initiative in which staff set aside the cost of one meal each month and contribute a fixed amount to charity. Since its launch in 2009, the program has consistently supported living expenses, education costs and medical bills for children from low-income families in the region.
This year, 14 new participants joined the campaign — nine first-time donors and five existing donors who increased their contributions — bringing the total number of regular donors on staff to 378.
Cumulative donations since the campaign began in 2009 have reached 547.52 million won. Channeled through ChildFund Korea, the funds cover living, education and medical expenses for children from low-income families in South Jeolla Province, providing steady support for their healthy development and aspirations.
At the handover ceremony, the hospital also presented a "sharing plaque" to the central operating room, which joined the campaign as a new group donor, to encourage a broader culture of voluntary giving within the institution.
Kim Yu-seong, head of ChildFund Korea's South Jeolla Province chapter, expressed deep gratitude for the hospital staff's unwavering support over 17 years. "The precious donations will be used to bring hope to children in our community who need it most," Kim said.
Moon Gyeong-seop, deputy director of medical services, said the campaign's value lies not in the size of any individual contribution but in the collective warmth of staff who think of those in need. "As a public medical institution that stands with the local community, we will continue to practice the values of sharing and mutual growth," Moon said.
sij@heraldcorp.com
