THE KUKMIN DAILY

“Since 1985 the annual funds raised by the Red Kettles have never decreased, not even once, thanks to the citizens’ love and trust.”

Commander Kim Pil-su (photo) of the Salvation Army Korea Territory looked exuberant as he spoke on January 16, after the calculation of Red Kettle funds raised last December was tentatively finalized. 3.4 billion won was raised on the streets, 2.5 billion donated by corporations, and together with the amounts raised online and by outlying churches, the total came to 6,336,000,000 won. The targeted amount for last year was 5.8 billion won.

Every December, the fundraising by the Salvation Army’s Red Kettles is made possible by the voluntary participation of citizens. Every year the unexpected ‘surprise fund’ quietly touches emotions. On the 24th of last month, three 50-million-won checks were found in the Red Kettle in front of Lotte Department in Songpa-gu, Seoul. It was the largest amount of ‘surprise fund’ in Korean Red Kettle history. Commander Kim said, “Even though the donation culture has weakened, I realized that warm, helping hands are still reaching out.”

Currently the Salvation Army operates approximately 150 facilities, including welfare facilities for homeless, elderly, and disabled persons; rehab centers for AIDS sufferers and alcoholics; and local children’s centers. This year it plans to focus on supporting homeless persons. Kim said, “What is needed by the homeless and addicts is an environment in which they can work and receive proper payment. We’ll do the best we can to help them become full members of society.”

Kim introduced his church’s new year’s motto: “The Salvation Army, resolutely communicating Jesus Christ.” He emphasized, “Korean church growth has stagnated and youth ministry seems to have weakened; nevertheless, Jesus Christ is the only one who will restore and transform this dying world.”

Reporter DongWoo Kim (love@kmib.co.kr), with Yeara Ahn-Park (yap@kmib.co.kr)
Photo by senior reporter Kang Min Seok


Original Article in Korean:
구세군 자선냄비 63억3600만원 모금: 김필수 사령관 인터뷰… 당초 목표액 9% 초과 달성


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