Funds to improve welfare and facilities for people with disabilities, multicultural families
Siheung city announced Thursday that Ina Hwajowon donated 15 million won ($11,300) to vulnerable residents, including people with disabilities and multicultural families, through the Siheung City 1% Welfare Foundation on Wednesday.
The handover ceremony was held at the Siheung mayor's office and was attended by Shin Gye-cheol, chairman of Ina Hwajowon; Moon Gwang-man, head of the Siheung chapter of the Gyeonggi Province Association for the Visually Impaired; Kim Jae-eun, head of Pyeongan House; Kim Seon-hui, head of the social cooperative Hamkke Ireuneun Sesang; and Kim Hyeong-su, chairman of the Siheung Multicultural Mothers' School, along with officials from the city and the foundation.
The funds will be distributed to five social welfare facilities and related organizations in the city to improve welfare services and facility conditions for people with disabilities and multicultural families. The donation focuses on reducing everyday inconveniences faced by facility users and helping them access services more safely and comfortably.
As part of the broader support effort, Chairman Shin also contributed to replacing a manual door with an automatic one at the Siheung chapter of the Gyeonggi Province Association for the Visually Impaired. The upgrade is intended to make it easier for visually impaired individuals to enter and exit the facility.
Ina Hwajowon, based in Siheung, is a company that houses rare bird species and conducts research, breeding and raising of purebred large birds. It also promotes character and ecological education, giving students the opportunity to interact with animals and plants and experience nature firsthand. Since 2017, the company has maintained a steady commitment to community giving through ongoing donations.
"I hope this contribution helps ease some of the everyday difficulties faced by those who use these facilities and allows them to live in a safer and more comfortable environment," Chairman Shin said. "We will continue to listen to the voices of neighbors in need — including people with disabilities and multicultural families — and keep sharing what we can."
Siheung Mayor Lim Byeong-taek thanked Shin for his generosity. "I am grateful to Chairman Shin for paying attention to the hardships of our neighbors and putting that care into action in a way that makes a real difference in their daily lives," Lim said. "We will ensure the funds reach where they are needed most and help improve the welfare and living conditions of vulnerable residents."
Meanwhile, the Siheung City 1% Welfare Foundation works with the city to run various support programs that connect donations and donated goods to low-income and vulnerable residents in the community. Those interested in making a contribution can contact the foundation directly for more information.
pjh@heraldcorp.com
