First private company to join program in 2011, donating 100 million won annually — cumulative total reaches 1.6 billion won
Gyeryong Construction has donated 100 million won ($73,900) this year to a program aimed at improving the living conditions of Korean War and Vietnam War veterans in substandard housing.
Chairman Lee Seung-chan presented the donation to Army Personnel Command Commander Maj. Gen. Lee Woo-heon at a ceremony held Wednesday at Mugunghwa Hall in Gyeryong, South Chungcheong Province.
The "Narasarang Bogeumjari" program — a housing support initiative for veterans — is run jointly by the Army, welfare organizations and private companies.
Gyeryong Construction became the first private company to join the program in 2011 and has donated 100 million won every year since, consistently supporting efforts to improve veterans' housing and living conditions. Including this year's contribution, the company's cumulative donations have reached 1.6 billion won.
This year, the program will fund the construction or renovation of homes for four veteran households in South Korea and support housing improvements for two Ethiopian veterans who fought in the Korean War. In addition, 114 low-income veteran households in rental housing are set to receive monthly rent assistance.
"It is a great honor to be able to offer even a small measure of support to those who devoted themselves to our country," Lee said at the ceremony. "I want to once again express my gratitude — it is thanks to their sacrifice that we are able to enjoy a prosperous Chuseok holiday."
He added that he hoped public attention and support for veterans would continue to grow, so that respect and recognition for their service could spread further throughout society.
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
