연말 기부 모금…비대면 디지털 모금도

With Christmas just around the corner, annual charity campaigns in South Korea, including those by the Salvation Army and the Community Chest of Korea... are looking at non-contact methods of raising money for those in need.
Bae Eun-ji reports.
It is the time of the year when the Salvation Army's bell ringers and their iconic red donation pots appear on the streets.
"It's not much, but I thought it could help a little. When these small donations pile up, I think it's a huge help to those in need."
Since last winter, amid the pandemic... they have started raising money in a way that does not require face-to-face contact.
"The number of people participating in non face-to-face donations has been rising. We have seen a 600-percent increase of these types of donations compared to last year."
With just a touch of your transportation card, the donation is made.
And for the first time this year, some donation pots did not have bell ringers at all.
"This year, some of the Salvation Army’s famous red pots were left un-manned on the streets of Seoul to encourage more donations while following social distancing."
Another major charity, the Community Chest of Korea has also launched its annual fundraising drive.
This year it aims to raise 35 billion won, or around 32 million U.S. dollars.
"With the help of companies and public organizations, we have reached more than 60% of our goal, but we still need participation from individuals and small business owners."
This year, the donations can not only be made at collection boxes,... but also through QR codes located in subway stations, bus stops, and local community centers.
Just by scanning the QR codes with a mobile phone,... the donors are directly led to a link where they can donate online.
The collected funds will be used to help those with disabilities, the elderly, and low-income families.
The fundraising will run until January 31st.
Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.