Record Charity Year

[Anchor Lead]

Despite the political and economic situation in the country at the moment, donations gathered by the charity group Community Chest of Korea this winter are expected to record an all-time high. Let’s find out more.

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[Soundbite] "Citizens of Daejeon, thank you!"

It's only mid-January, but the Love Thermometer in Daejeon city has already surpassed 100 degrees through donations collected this winter. The milestone has been reached about two weeks earlier than last year. Incheon attained its target goal on January 2nd, and Daegu and Jeollabuk-do Province also reached their donation goals earlier than expected. Thanks to such strong figures, the nationwide collections, which usually barely met their goal in late January when the donation campaign came to a close, is expected to top the 100 mark any day now.

[Soundbite] An Gi-ho(Community Chest of Korea) : "People remembered and paid attention to neighbors in need in these difficult times."

When the campaign kicked off in November, this welcome outcome was not expected. The political and economic situation in the country has been worse than in past years. However, defying the forecast, donations grew toward the year's end and individual donations in particular posted a steep increase.

[Soundbite] Joo Hye-ran(Individual Donor) : "When you give and share more, the world becomes a warmer and better place."

[Soundbite] Prof. Kim Dong-gi(Mokwon University) : "I believe people have the heart to return at least a tenth of what they receive. This applies most strongly to those in difficult situations."

With predictions that donations this winter could even reach an all-time high, the fundraising campaign aimed at assisting neighbors in need will continue through the end of January.