Three-month campaign runs Sunday through Feb. 14; kickoff ceremony set for Tuesday
Last year's drive raised 1.57 billion won, surpassing its target by 142.7%
Seoul's Yangcheon-gu is launching its "2027 Huimang Ondol Warm Winter" campaign to support vulnerable residents through the cold season.
The district announced Thursday that the fundraising drive will run from Sunday through Feb. 14 — a three-month campaign with a target of 1.2 billion won ($893,000).
The campaign is a public-private partnership involving the Seoul Community Chest of Korea, Yangcheon-gu and the Yangcheon Love Welfare Foundation. Donations of cash and goods will go toward practical welfare support for low-income households, covering medical, residential and living expenses.
Residents can donate by visiting any of the district's 18 community centers, making a bank transfer to a dedicated account or scanning a QR code on a mobile device. Donors will receive official receipts and are eligible for tax deductions.
Before the main fundraising begins, the district will hold a campaign launch ceremony Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the Yangcheon Digital Media Center. District Mayor Lee Gi-jae, local organizations and residents — about 140 people in total — are expected to attend. The event will include a review of last year's results and a presentation of commendations and citations to outstanding donors.
This year's honorees include residents and businesses that have maintained a consistent record of giving.
A couple from Sinwol 4-dong who are traditional Korean music performers have donated 12 bags of 10-kilogram rice each year-end to single-parent households since 2024, guided by the belief that sharing even one bag of rice a month makes a difference. A resident of Sinjeong 2-dong has also continued to donate and participate in community welfare council activities despite living with a disability and difficult circumstances.
Among businesses and organizations recognized, the Yangcheon-gu chapter of the Korea Licensed Real Estate Agents Association was selected for helping low-income residents with brokerage fees to improve their housing stability and for donating annually since 2024. Daehwa Pipe Co. was also honored for maintaining regular donations for 11 consecutive years since 2016.
Last year's campaign raised a total of 1.57 billion won — 142.7 percent of the 1.1 billion won target — driven by voluntary participation from businesses, organizations and residents alike.
"I am deeply grateful to the residents, businesses and organizations who have contributed their warmth for their neighbors despite difficult economic conditions," District Mayor Lee Gi-jae said. "Small acts of sharing add up to become a great source of strength for someone trying to get through the winter, and I hope many people will join the campaign to build a warmer community together."
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