HFH Korea Receives 100 Million Won Award From Asan Foundation
Korean Charitable Foundation Recognizes HFH Korea’s Contributions In Volunteerism And Easing Problem Of Poverty Housing
SEOUL, 12th December 2008: Habitat for Humanity Korea has been recognized for its contribution to society by a local charitable foundation.
In recognition: Asan Foundation chairman Chung Mong-joon (left) presenting the award and a bouquet to HFH Korea’s board chairman Yi Sun.
At a recent ceremony in Seoul, the Asan Foundation presented a 100 million won (about US71,720) award to HFH Korea which intends to use the money for building the capacity of its 10 affiliates.
According to the judges, “HFH Korea has contributed to the culture of giving back to the society and volunteerism.” Habitat has also raised awareness of the need to eliminate poverty housing in a country where six million people, or 40 percent of Korean families, still do not own a home, said the judging committee.
The Asan Foundation was set up in 1977 by Chung Ju-yung, then chairman of Hyundai Heavy Industries Group. His son Chung Mong-joon, who is the controlling shareholder in the shipbuilding group, now chairs the foundation. The foundation aims to contribute to the well-being of society by launching non-profit programs in medical resources, social welfare, research and development, and scholarships.
The South Korean husband-and-wife actor and actress, Cha In-pyo and Shin Ae-ra, were honored for their service to society in their adoption of children. The couple has a biological son and two adopted daughters.
Since 1994, HFH Korea has built and repaired more than 550 houses. Habitat recently celebrated its 1,000th family served in the Paju city in the Demilitarized Zone in South Korea.
HFH Korea has also been active in sending volunteers and funds overseas including disaster response projects in Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines. Domestic volunteers provided a strong presence at events such as the annual Korea Blitz Build and the July 2008 Pastors Build. In 2001, Korea hosted the Jimmy Carter Work Project, building 136 homes in six sites with some 10,000 volunteers from 29 different countries.
Since 2001, HFH Korea has been holding an annual fundraising fashion show to support its local programs. It has also helped contribute to other Habitat programs in Nepal, Vietnam, Madagascar and Mozambique through the mobilization of funds from Korea International Cooperation Agency.