The seven-year-old campaign has been supported by more than 16,000 sales consultants who chipped in 500 won for every insurance policy they signed up. (Photo: previously issued paper of 500 Won which stopped its issuance in the year 1975 (image of Namdaemun) in Korea)

Seoul, Korea¶ May 30, 2012 -- The risk consultants at Samsung Fire and Marine Insurance helped a school for the physically challenged open a rehab room in it with the money they have collected for years. The consultants had continued the “500-won Gift of Hope” campaign since 2005 and recently partnered with the Gawon School in Daejeon, the K-12 school for the disabled.

They donated money to build an infirmary for the school with medical equipment and health facilities jointly with WeFirst, the advocacy group for the handicapped. The Gawon School, established early this year, had opened with 34 classrooms but run only 24 rooms due to the lack of budget. Although it had had the rehab room, the room was almost devoid of equipment and medical supplies.

The seven-year-old campaign has been supported by more than 16,000 sales consultants who chipped in 500 won for every insurance policy they signed up. The cumulative amount they have saved is more than 2.9 billion won, with 149 recipients (127 homes and 22 institutions) as of now.

Sean Chung (press@whowired.com)