For more than a decade, Seoul has been collecting used furniture from luxury hotels and donating it to low-income and homeless city residents.
Meanwhile, in partnership with 14 luxury hotels in the Seoul metropolitan area, 120,000 pieces of used furniture have been distributed to low-income housing, homeless facilities, and other shelter efforts.
This year, the program has hired 10 additional hotel partners. This increases the volume of furniture collections and also maintains a pipeline of job opportunities for people who are unemployed and at risk of living on the streets.
A Seoul government official said, “We would like to express our respect and gratitude to the 24 hotels that have contributed to creating a better Seoul through their sincere support that goes beyond corporate social responsibility.”
“Sponsored goods obtained during the renovation process of luxury hotels will be provided to families with few household items and will play a major role in increasing the self-esteem and satisfaction of low-income citizens.”
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There is something to be said about the value of supporting not only the livelihoods of low-income people, but also their “self-esteem.” Seeing carefully crafted stained wood, brushed zinc, or polished marble provides an eye that no direct financial support can provide for those dealing with the stress of living near the poverty line. It may bring hidden benefits.
The collected furniture will be stored by the city government and then distributed to different locations according to demand.
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