21 regional chambers, 10 companies join nationwide 'Geunyangdeurim' welfare program

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced Monday it is strengthening a public-private partnership for "Geunyangdeurim," a food security program for vulnerable groups, working alongside the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, regional chambers of commerce and local businesses.

The announcement coincided with a meeting on closing welfare gaps and a donation ceremony held Monday at Naraewul Community Welfare Center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. The event came after Geunyangdeurim was selected as the first theme for the "National Chamber Joint Challenge," a new corporate social responsibility initiative by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Twenty-one of the country's 74 regional chambers of commerce, along with 10 member companies, will contribute a combined 200 million won ($134,000) in cash and in-kind donations. The remaining chambers are expected to support the program through promotional activities.

Health and Welfare Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hwaseong First Vice Mayor Yun Seong-jin, and the heads of regional chambers of commerce from Incheon, Hwaseong, Cheongju, Jeonju and Yeosu attended the event.

Minister Jeong thanked the corporate executives and employees who took part in the donations, saying gaps in welfare coverage "can only be filled when businesses — those who watch over local communities most closely — show interest and get involved." She added that the ministry "will spare no support or encouragement so that companies participating in the Geunyangdeurim program can take pride in doing so."