From left, Yoon Yeo-jun, chairman of the Community Chest of Korea, Im Sung-bok, head of communications at Lotte Corp., and Hwang Young-ki, chairman of ChildFund Korea, pose during a ceremony marking Lotte's donation of 500 million won ($366,000) to the charity organizations, May 19. Courtesy of Lotte Corp.
Lotte Group hosted a family-friendly festival at the Seoul Plaza lawn from May 19 to 21 in partnership with ChildFund Korea and the Community Chest of Korea, marking the 10th anniversary of its mom-friendly social contribution initiative.
The event was designed to encourage public participation in addressing Korea’s low birthrate crisis while promoting better child care environments and greater awareness of caregiving.
The opening ceremony on May 19 was attended by major figures from the public and private sectors, including Im Sung-bok, head of communications at Lotte Corp.; Yoon Yeo-jun, chairman of the Community Chest of Korea; and Hwang Young-ki, chairman of ChildFund Korea.
During the ceremony, Lotte donated a combined 500 million won ($366,000) to ChildFund Korea and the Community Chest of Korea to support efforts aimed at addressing the country’s declining birthrate and improving child care facilities.
The venue featured four themed zones focused on school commute, learning, play and rest, where visitors took part in programs related to safety education, children’s rights and creative activities designed to highlight the importance of childcare and caregiving.
Since 2017, Lotte has worked to improve child care environments through various family- and child care-focused initiatives.
One program renovates community children’s centers that provide after-school care services. Since launching its first center in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, in 2017, the company has expanded the initiative nationwide, opening its 100th center in Busan in December last year. More than 60 percent of the centers are located outside the Seoul metropolitan area, reflecting efforts to reduce regional disparities in child care infrastructure.
Lotte has also established 32 playground sites nationwide to improve play environments and help address inequalities in educational opportunities for children.
In recognition of its contribution to improving child care conditions, Lotte received a prime ministerial commendation at the Korea Sharing Awards in November 2024.
Source: Korea Times News
