Firms pledge donations to support wildfire recovery efforts

LG Electronics technicians deliver air purifiers to Sancheon Welfare Center in Sancheong County Courtesy of LG Electronics — LG Electronics workers deliver air purifiers to Sancheon Welfare Center. Courtesy of LG Electronics

SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - An increasing number of South Korean companies have pledged significant donations to support recovery efforts after a series of wildfires ravaged communities.

Samsung Group said it would contribute 3 billion won, or about $2.2 million, through the Korean Red Cross. The funds, pooled from eight of its affiliates — including Samsung Electronics, Samsung Display, and Samsung Life Insurance — will go toward relief and reconstruction in the hardest-hit regions, such as Sancheong and Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province, Uiseong in North Gyeongsang Province, and Ulju in Ulsan.

In addition to the financial support, Samsung will distribute 1,000 emergency relief kits containing daily necessities and supply 600 residential tents for displaced residents.

“Samsung has actively participated in social efforts to overcome crises whenever large-scale natural disasters occur at home and abroad,” the company said in a statement.

LG Group also announced a donation of 2 billion won, which it is channeling through the Community Chest of Korea. The funds will aid recovery operations and provide support for those who lost their homes.

“We hope to help those suffering from the sudden disaster to return to their normal lives as soon as possible,” an LG spokesperson said.

Several of LG’s affiliates are offering additional aid: LG Electronics has deployed mobile service centers to repair damaged appliances free of charge, LG Household & Health Care is donating 500 million won worth of daily necessities, and LG Uplus is providing temporary Wi-Fi services and charging stations in affected areas.

AmorePacific Holdings joined the relief effort with a contribution of 200 million won via the Community Chest of Korea.

“We hope this will help the victims suffering from the sudden large-scale wildfires and the relief personnel dedicated to the scene,” said Lee Sang-mok, the company’s chief executive. He added that AmorePacific “sincerely hopes for prompt recovery of the damage and restoration of the victims’ daily lives.”

Candice Kim candicekim1121@ajupress.com