Some business conglomerates are putting much effort into donating blood, aiming to help society as well as heighten their brand reputation.
Kumho Asiana Group, a composite business specializing in chemicals, construction and shipping, has been promoting blood donation since 2004 in cooperation with the Korea Red Cross.
It holds a blood donation drive once a year and stresses the importance of the campaign during its recruiting session to encourage more people to donate.
The corporate will hold a blood drive starting Wednesday at its headquarters located in central Seoul. Its affiliate companies and regional branch offices will also participate in the campaign until July 31, according to the company report.
An employee at Kumho Asiana Group participates in the conglomerate’s blood donation campaign. (Kumho Asiana)
Meanwhile, Hyundai Department Store Co. delivered 40 million won ($34,818) and 5,000 donor cards to the Korea Blood Cancer Association on July 11.
According to the company statistics, Hyundai has been raising donations from 2004 and issued about 55,000 cards to the association for medical treatments on blood and child cancer patients. Being the most enthusiastic donor among the retail industry, it has been integrating variety of unique ideas to the campaign ― including small concerts, and the distribution of free makeup samples and promotional shopping bags.
Hyundai’s donation policy follows the philosophy of Chung Ji-sun, the company CEO. “A department store is not only a place for shopping, but also a place for customers to practice sharing with those in need,” Chung says.
Korea Exchange Bank, with an emphasis on its slogan “Think Global, Share with the Neighbors,” has been advocating blood donation since 2008. The “KEB Blood Drive of Love” is one of various social service projects coordinated by the bank and Red Cross.
The two sides signed an agreement on July 4 to work together on social contribution, in which part of the contract states that KEB and Red Cross boost blood-sharing practices.
“The agreement will further expand humanist activities,” said Yun Yong-ro, chief executive of KEB. “We will continue to work on social contributions to fit the business slogan.”
By Kim Eun-seo, Intern reporter (
estee.kim@gmail.com)