Delegation Leaves for Dandong to Deliver Relief Supplies to North


By Soh Ji-young
Staff Reporter

More than 40 civil, social and religious organizations on Tuesday launched a body to provide full-range support to victims of a huge train blast in Ryongchon, North Korea.

``We urge people to take part in the fundraising campaign for North Korean victims,’’ representatives said in a press conference in downtown Seoul.

The groups said they will carry out a nationwide fundraising drive for the next three months to send emergency medical items such as bandages and Ringer’s solution as well as water, food and repair equipment to be used in recovery efforts.

Aid organizations such as the Korean Sharing Movement as well as influential civic groups such as the Citizens’ Coalition for Economic Justice and the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement took part in the move.

A five-member delegation departed for Dandong, a Chinese city bordering North Korea, on Tuesday to deliver 300 million won worth of relief supplies to the North.

``North Korean officials have requested items such as noodles, blankets, medical supplies and vinyl bags to replace broken windows,’’ said Lee Bom-chul, a member of the delegation to Dandong.

``We are contacting the North to go into Shinuiju to deliver the relief goods in person, but it may not be possible for the time being as North Korean officials are expressing reluctance,’’ he said.

Another batch of relief packages will be sent to Dandong from Inchon Port Wednesday at 3 p.m., the groups said.

``We will deliver 10 billion won worth of medical supplies, food and other basic necessities,’’ said Lee Il-hwa, head of Good Neighbors, another relief group participating in the coalition.

The groups said they plan to send relief packages once every week while conducting fundraising drives through street campaigns as well as the Internet.

For more information, visit the coalition’s homepage at www.dopja.net.

Those who want to contribute can send funds through Kookmin Bank, 463501-01-054123, Shinhan Bank 254-05-017647 and Nonghyop 069-01-259951.

jysoh@koreatimes.co.kr