Expats In Gwangju Raise Funds Through ‘Adopt A Child for Christmas’ Campaign To Give Christmas Gifts To Orphans

An annual Christmas fund raising drive was initiated by expats in Gwangju to provide Christmas gifts for orphans.

Korea Herald noted on Wednesday that Calen Cygan, organizer of the campaign known as the "Adopt A Child For Christmas," confirmed that they have already raised nine million won for Christmas presents.

A kick-starter event known as "Christmas in July" also helped to raise 1.5 million won early in the campaign.

"We have had scavenger hunts and trivia nights and other fund-raisers, too. We've had many small events to raise that much money," noted Cygan.

According to an earlier report by Korea Herald on July 22, Christmas in July was full of activities and treats to be enjoyed by participants, including paper snowflake lessons, Hawaiian shirt contest, Christmas card making and party games along with a concession stand that sells snacks and beverages.

Admission to the event is free of charge, but activities and games required purchasing tickets at 5,000 won for 10. Proceeds of the Christmas in July event will go to the Adopt A Child For Christmas campaign.

"This is the first year we're having a fund-raiser before September," said Cygan during the summer event. "The reason is that the organization has just gotten so big. Thankfully, the event has been well received so far. A lot of families are coming, and some kids from the orphanages will also be coming to the event."

Even South Korean recruiting firm Say Kimchi posted on their website on Nov. 18, 2013 about how people could participate in this generous campaign that brings a smile to every orphans' faces.

Say Kimchi noted that locals can donate through gifts personally purchased (average gift cost: 20,000 to 30,000 won) or through a 30,000 won cash transfer to the campaign's bank account. Meanwhile, donors who live overseas just need to provide a Korean Exchange Bank (KEB) account number, name, address and phone of KEB.

For more details, visit Adopt A Child For Christmas' website.