The 2025 Hope Sharing Campaign, organized by the Community Chest of Korea, concluded successfully on February 3. It raised 488.6 billion won (approximately $365 million).
From December 1 to January 31, the Love Temperature Tower reached 108.6 degrees. Despite economic challenges caused by high interest rates and inflation, the campaign surpassed 100 degrees on its 44th day, one day earlier than the previous year’s campaign.
The total amount raised was 488.6 billion won (approximately $365 million), exceeding the initial target of 449.7 billion won (approximately $336 million) by 38.9 billion won (approximately $29 million). This marks the highest amount ever collected during a year-end sharing campaign.
Compared to last year, individual donations increased while corporate contributions decreased. This year, individual donations totaled 132 billion won (approximately $99 million) (26.8%), while corporate donations accounted for 357.6 billion won (approximately $269 million) (73.2%). Last year, individual donations were 113.8 billion won (approximately $85 million) (23.3%), and corporate donations were 374.2 billion won (approximately $281 million) (76.7%). The decline in corporate donations is attributed to reduced business participation due to regional economic stagnation.
The total fundraising amount for 2024 reached a record high of 847.6 billion won (approximately $633 million). Individual donations accounted for 254 billion won (30%), while corporate donations made up 593.6 billion won (70%), reflecting a 2.1% increase from the previous year. Additionally, a special fundraising initiative for the families of the Jeju Air passenger plane accident victims received over 3.4 billion won (approximately $2.5 million) in donations.
Although donations decreased compared to the previous year, the expansion of non-cash asset donations and legacy giving led to an increase of over 10 billion won in high-value contributions. Increased donations from major financial groups also boosted overall corporate fundraising.
The funds raised will be allocated to four key areas: addressing emerging social issues, strengthening social safety nets, supporting community care, and enhancing education and self-reliance programs.
Kim Byeong Jun, chairman of the Community Chest of Korea, expressed his gratitude, stating that despite ongoing economic uncertainty due to inflation and high interest rates, donations increased thanks to citizens and companies supporting those in need. He sincerely thanked everyone who contributed.
He added that the Community Chest of Korea will continue to be the nation’s leading charitable platform, supporting vulnerable populations and addressing social issues such as youth addiction and aging-related challenges.
The 2025 Hope Sharing Campaign ran 62 days, from December 1 to January 31, in 17 provinces nationwide. Its slogan was “Make Yourself Valuable Through Donation! Make the World Valuable Through Donation!”