The transit operator dispatched volunteers and donated employee-raised funds to Geoje, which was declared a special disaster zone after summer flooding — part of a nationwide relief effort that has included more than 100 million won for last year's Yeongnam wildfires
Seoul Metro extended a helping hand to Geoje in South Gyeongsang Province, which was designated a special disaster zone after heavy summer rains caused widespread flooding.
The transit operator said Monday it donated 20 million won ($14,500) — raised voluntarily by its employees — to the Korean Red Cross to help speed up recovery efforts and restore the daily lives of flood victims in the Geoje area.
The donation marks the second round of support for Geoje. Earlier, on Aug. 23 and 24, Seoul Metro dispatched five employees to Dundeok-myeon in Geoje, one of the hardest-hit areas, in coordination with the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Baro Volunteer Corps. The workers helped clear sediment from farmland and clean flood-damaged household items.
Seoul Metro joined the Baro Volunteer Corps — a rapid-response disaster relief volunteer program — after signing an MOU with the Seoul Metropolitan Volunteer Center in May.
An Hyo-ik, a Seoul Metro assistant manager who took part in the two-day recovery effort, said it was deeply meaningful to offer even a small measure of help to farming households devastated by the floods. "I sincerely hope that the sweat our employees shed there becomes the foundation for hope," he said.
Operating under the principle that disaster relief knows no regional boundaries, Seoul Metro has extended aid to disaster sites across the country, not limiting its efforts to the Greater Seoul area served by its subway lines.
When large wildfires swept through North Gyeongsang Province, South Gyeongsang Province and Ulsan last April, employees voluntarily raised more than 100 million won and donated it to the Korean Red Cross.
Beyond writing checks, the company also participated directly in the Red Cross's donation disbursement review committee to help ensure the funds were directed where they were needed most.
In addition to large-scale disaster relief, Seoul Metro has been active in a range of community outreach programs aimed at supporting marginalized neighbors.
Ahead of the Chuseok holiday, employees and their families gathered on Sept. 3 and Sept. 5 to make songpyeon — traditional rice cakes — and hand-deliver them to 100 vulnerable households in Seongbuk-gu and Gangbuk-gu.
Later this month, the company plans to donate 35 million won worth of traditional market gift vouchers to local welfare facilities, aiming to bring a measure of relief to marginalized residents and struggling small-business owners alike.
Han Yeong-hui, head of Seoul Metro's planning division, said the donation reflects the voluntary commitment of every employee to practice mutual growth. "Seoul Metro will continue to stand alongside marginalized neighbors in every corner of our society and lead the way in ESG management," Han said.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
