Korean Red Cross marks 121st anniversary, honors volunteers and others for service and generosity

[Financial News] The Korean Red Cross honored the contributions of volunteers, blood donors and donors who have worked to provide disaster relief and give the gift of life as it marked its 121st anniversary.
According to the Korean Red Cross on the 28th, about 400 people attended the anniversary ceremony held on the 26th, including Lee Hyung-hoon, Second Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, government officials, diplomatic representatives, and Red Cross volunteers and staff. Thirty government honors and Korean Red Cross awards were presented to individuals and organizations that contributed to humanitarian efforts.
The Camellia Medal of the Order of Civil Merit went to Hong Ra-hee, honorary director of Leeum Museum of Art, while the Magnolia Medal went to Han Myeong-a, chair of the National Council of Korean Red Cross Volunteer Associations. Nam Seong-ui, a teacher at Gyeongsan Jeil Middle School, received the Order of Service Merit, Jade Stripes.
Chair Han has volunteered for more than 25 years, logging at least 17,000 hours, and has taken part in disaster relief and support for vulnerable groups. For 29 years, teacher Nam Seong-ui has served as an instructor for the Red Cross Youth (RCY), promoting volunteerism, education in respect for life, and blood donation.
Since 1990, honorary director Hong has served as a special adviser to the Korean Red Cross’s Women’s Volunteer Committee, supporting disaster relief, health care, youth support programs and other initiatives. In 2021, she supported the production of the Korean Red Cross’s first mobile shower vehicle.
The Korean Red Cross’s mobile shower vehicles are used to provide hygiene support to residents affected by disasters. Last August, its North Gyeongsang branch operated a mobile shower vehicle for residents of Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, who were left without water after water pipes were damaged.
The National Medal was awarded to volunteers Park Pal-mun, Lee Gyeong-hwi and Park Yeong-ja, who have led relief efforts at disaster sites. Park Yeong-ja was among them and supported all 21 reunions of separated families.
Eleven presidential commendations were presented to sponsor Kim Geo-seok, Dunamu and others, while 13 Prime Minister’s Commendations were also awarded.
Commendations from the Minister of Health and Welfare and Korean Red Cross awards were also presented. The Gold Medal of the Korean Red Cross Medal of Philanthropy went to Joseph Clinic, which has provided free medical care since 1987 to medically underserved groups, including homeless people and residents of single-room neighborhoods. The Gold Medal of the Korean Red Cross Volunteer Service Award was presented to Kim Yu-hui, a special adviser to the Women’s Volunteer Committee at the Seoul branch, and Kim Yang-suk, a special adviser to the committee at the Gyeonggi branch.
The Korean Red Cross was established on October 27, 1905, under Imperial Decree No. 47 issued by Emperor Gojong. It carries out disaster relief, support for vulnerable groups, blood services and other work.
A Korean Red Cross official said, “The Korean Red Cross has been able to continue its humanitarian work for 121 years thanks to the dedication of countless people who have willingly reached out to neighbors in need.”

[email protected] Jang In-seo Reporter