The Love's Fruit Social Welfare Community Chest (Chairman Yoon Yeojun) announced on June 29 that it will provide $1 million (approximately 1.5 billion won) in emergency aid to support residents affected by the earthquake in Venezuela.
Venezuela experienced a series of powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on June 24, resulting in at least 1,450 deaths and 3,150 injuries as of June 28. The disaster has displaced over 12,700 people, with around 50,000 reported missing. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that the material damage from the earthquakes could reach $6.7 billion (approximately 10.34 trillion won), equivalent to 6% of Venezuela's GDP. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that up to 6.76 million people may be affected, highlighting the urgent need for shelters, clean water, sanitation facilities, and medical services.
Love's Fruit will collaborate with the Korea Council for Overseas Cooperation (KCOC) to select local organizations based on factors such as the extent of damage, government and NGO support trends, and the capacity of the affected country to respond. The organization plans to focus its emergency humanitarian assistance on providing food and nutrition, personal hygiene items, clothing and blankets, and clean water to affected residents.
Chairman Yoon Yeojun stated, "We will do our utmost to provide emergency relief and humanitarian support tailored to the local situation so that the Venezuelan residents who lost their homes due to the sudden earthquake can quickly return to their daily lives. I urge the public to participate generously in our special fundraising efforts, as their warm interest and contributions can bring great hope to those affected."
Additionally, Love's Fruit will conduct a special fundraising campaign for earthquake relief in Venezuela until July 31. Funds raised will be used sequentially for humanitarian assistance that aligns with the local situation, including recovery efforts and support for displaced individuals.
Donations can be made through a dedicated fundraising account and online donation platform listed on the Love's Fruit website. For inquiries, the Love's Fruit Donation Call Center is available.
In previous international disasters, Love's Fruit has provided emergency support, including $500,000 for the 2011 Japan earthquake, $700,000 for the 2015 Nepal earthquake, $500,000 for the 2021 Haiti earthquake, $1 million for the 2023 Turkey earthquake, and $500,000 for the 2025 Myanmar earthquake, assisting in relief and recovery efforts for affected residents.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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