"The Red Cross is love and a humanitarian responsibility. For me, service is a prayer for humanity, for our country, for our family and for me."
This is the answer when Mail Business recently asked Kim Kyo-sook, former vice president of the Red Cross (currently Central Committee member, photo), what Red Cross and service mean at the Seoul branch of the Korean Red Cross in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Kim's face, smiling brightly, showed his sincerity for his service.
Kim joined the Red Cross in 1983 at the recommendation of a university senior to "serve." The orientation toward a shared life is a nature that is naturally inherited from parents. Kim belongs to the Seoul branch's Special Advisory Committee on Women's Service and has even served as the chairman.
When he was an advisor, Kim visited a night school in Oksu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, and provided textbooks and learning supplies to working youth. "As I climbed up the slope of the unpaved road for a long time, there were teenagers who relied on lanterns and candles to study," Kim said, recalling the time, "I carried books, chalk, and snacks to encourage my studies."
After examining the difficulties of a private nursing home in Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, he once provided necessary items such as rice and briquettes. Kim said, "The Women's Service Special Advisory Committee sent 300,000 won each and delivered the fund personally."
The Seoul branch of the Red Cross operated a youth welfare center and provided technical education such as welding and piping for boys who had nowhere to go after being released from Anyang Juvenile Center. At this time, Kim sent instructor fees here to help the youth grow and get a job.
Kim also served as vice president of the Red Cross between 2011 and 2013. For the first time in history, he visited all 50 volunteer centers nationwide to check the condition and operation of each volunteer center, and even created a status report to help revitalize the volunteer center. Kim also established the 'Love Sharing Place' bazaar, a major fundraising source for the Red Cross.
Kim's father is Son Kyung-sik, chairman of CJ Group. Kim said his family actively supports Red Cross activities. "When I was busy working as an active advisor, I understood the time when I told my family that I was going to the Red Cross," he said. "I asked my children for virtues such as love, sincerity, and sharing, and my grandchildren have also donated 50,000 won every month since elementary school."
Kim is a member of the Red Cross Honors Club, which currently provides regular donations of more than 1 million won per month. Asked what would be good to donate, Kim answered clearly, "I feel good." He said, "Just as people who like to run feel 'Runners High' when they run, they can feel 'Helperth High' when they volunteer."
The Special Advisory Committee on Women's Service, to which Kim belongs, was established in 1955 and marks its 70th anniversary this year. At the Red Cross, which was established when there was a desperate need for help after the Korean War, the advisory committee has been supporting Red Cross volunteers to do efficient and rewarding volunteer work for 70 years. "We plan to raise funds to support volunteer education to mark the 70th anniversary," Kim said. "We ask for a lot of attention from the Red Cross and the advisory committee."
Maeil Business Newspaper discovers and introduces individuals, companies, and organizations who fulfill their social responsibilities by donating large amounts. You can contact the Korean Red Cross for more information.
