As a record heat wave continues, BGF Retail, which operates CU convenience stores, has initiated emergency support for vulnerable populations.
On July 12, BGF Retail announced that it provided emergency relief supplies to residents of the Dongja-dong shantytown near Seoul Station, in response to concerns about heat-related damage.
Following a request for urgent assistance from the National Disaster Relief Association, BGF Retail activated its national disaster emergency relief initiative, 'BGF Bridge,' in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Korean Red Cross, and the Korea Central Volunteer Center. On July 10, emergency supplies were delivered from the BGF Logistics Center in Geomdan to the Seoul Station shantytown consultation center. The supplies included over 3,000 items, such as beverages and snacks, sufficient for about 400 people.
The shantytown, characterized by cramped living conditions and a lack of cooling facilities, is particularly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. With a high proportion of elderly residents and those receiving basic living assistance, proactive support is crucial to prevent health issues related to extreme heat.
The Korea Meteorological Administration has forecasted the possibility of prolonged nationwide heat waves and tropical nights this year, prompting the government to enhance protections for vulnerable populations through a heat wave warning system. Consequently, private sector support for heat wave responses is also on the rise.
BGF Retail has been active in emergency relief efforts not only during heat waves but also in response to various disasters, including wildfires, heavy rainfall, typhoons, fires, and droughts, utilizing its nationwide logistics centers and CU store network.
In 2024, the company conducted seven rounds of emergency support for areas affected by heavy rainfall, and this year, it has provided relief supplies to regions impacted by major wildfires, heavy rains in Chungcheongnam-do, and droughts in Gangneung.
In May, BGF Retail delivered over 10,000 emergency relief items, including cup noodles and beverages, to residents affected by an apartment fire in Sejong City.
Since signing a disaster prevention and emergency relief memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Disaster Relief Association in 2015, BGF Retail has established a disaster response system based on its network of over 30 logistics centers and nearly 18,800 CU stores.
Park Chae-young, head of BGF Retail's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) team, stated, 'BGF Retail will continue to act as a living platform that delivers help first to those in need, embodying our corporate spirit of being a 'good friend to our society.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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