Ace Kyungam, a foundation, has donated approximately 210 million won worth of 7,500 bags of rice to the city of Seongnam to support vulnerable households ahead of the Chuseok holiday. This marks the 28th consecutive year of the foundation’s holiday rice-sharing initiative, which began in 1999. To date, the total volume of rice donated has reached 175,260 bags.
The donation ceremony took place at the Seongnam City Hall, where 7,500 bags of 10kg rice were handed over. The donated rice is intended to provide essential support for the livelihoods of low-income families, including the elderly and children in need within the Seongnam region, enabling them to celebrate the holiday with sustenance.
A Long-Standing Tradition of Generosity
The tradition of Ace Kyungam sharing rice during the holidays commenced in 1999. The foundation has consistently provided rice to the local community during both the Lunar New Year (Seollal) and Chuseok holidays every year without fail. With the recent Chuseok donation, the cumulative value of rice gifted over the years now stands at approximately 4.44 billion won.
This year’s contribution follows a similar donation made during the Seollal holiday, with 7,500 bags of rice being provided for Chuseok as well. The foundation explained that the sustained and expanded scale of this year’s donation was made in consideration of the increased financial burden faced by vulnerable households due to the prolonged period of high inflation, which has significantly impacted the cost of living.
Corporate Philosophy and Community Commitment
Ahn Sung-ho, the chairman of Ace Kyungam and also the CEO of Ace Chimdae, leads the foundation’s long-term social contribution activities. These efforts are rooted in the business philosophy of the company’s founder, Go An-yu-su, who emphasized the importance of “returning corporate profits to society.”
Beyond its rice donation program, Ace Chimdae has also demonstrated its commitment to supporting consumers by maintaining its product prices unchanged throughout the current year. Following a price adjustment in December 2022, the company has refrained from further increases, continuing its price freeze policy into 2023. This decision aims to alleviate the financial pressure on consumers, especially amidst rising raw material costs and various operational expenses.
Looking Towards Continued Support
Chairman Ahn expressed his hopes that the current rice donation would offer warm comfort and a bountiful Chuseok to neighbors experiencing difficult times. He further stated, “Just as our rice donation has continued for 28 years, we will persistently carry on with our sharing initiatives to provide tangible support for the daily lives of the local community and our neighbors in the future.”
The initiative underscores Ace Kyungam’s dedication to social responsibility and its ongoing efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing economic hardship. The consistent support over nearly three decades highlights a deep-seated commitment to community welfare, particularly during significant cultural holidays.
The foundation’s actions serve as a reminder of the vital role that corporate social responsibility plays in strengthening community bonds and providing essential aid to vulnerable populations. By addressing basic needs like food security, Ace Kyungam and Ace Chimdae contribute to a more stable and supportive social environment for the residents of Seongnam.
