Gokseong JCI put all its efforts into promoting the Hometown Love Donation System at the Gokseong Simcheong Children’s Grand Festival. Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Cho Sang-rae) announced that it successfully completed the promotion of the Hometown Love Donation System hosted by the Gokseong Youth Chamber (Gokseong JCI) during the 24th Gokseong Simcheong Children’s Festival held last weekend.
Gokseong JCI operated a hometown love donation promotion booth during the festival and gave local gift certificates, large character balloons, and soap bubbles to on-site donors, drawing a great response from children, and made designated donations to our military’s hometown love donation system to parents who visited the festival. We created an opportunity to publicize our business.
In addition, Gokseong JCI actively participated not only in the chairmanship, but also in wife members and general members to spread the hometown love donation culture, and achieved the result of raising about 7,800,000 won by receiving donations from a total of 210 people through on-site fundraising at festivals.
Gokseong JCI Chairman Choi Jong-myeong said, “We are grateful that many people showed interest in and participated in the Hometown Love Donation System through the operation of the Hometown Love Donation promotional booth. “We will continue to work together with our members to develop the community,” he said.
Gokseong JCI, which was selected as a private organization for our military’s hometown love donation program last September, is an organization composed of local youth. It supports community development and youth activities, and continues volunteer work such as support for the underprivileged and the elderly. We are becoming a role model for the local community through various activities.
Meanwhile, the ’Chick-Chug Night Market’ held at the Gokseong Train Village Traditional Market during the 4th Gokseong Simcheong Children’s Festival ended successfully on October 27.
This night market event, co-hosted by the ‘Culture and Tourism Specialized Market Development Project Group’ and the ‘Gokseong Train Village Traditional Market Merchants Association’ and sponsored by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Gokseong-gun, and the Small Business Market Promotion Corporation, was held from October 24th to 27th. , Gokseong Traditional Market received a great response as it was filled with a variety of experience programs such as traditional market memories, food, and things to enjoy, where merchants, local residents, and tourists could become one.
During the event, traditional performances by the Jeollanam-do Market Wandering Troupe, cultural performances by local singers, and Gokseong-gun township and village yut competitions were held to encourage the participation of local residents, and attracted the attention of young people through EDM performances.
In addition, various experience programs such as stamp tours, SNS authentication events, and roulette spins were held in connection with the Gokseong Simcheong Children’s Grand Festival, providing special memories to family visitors.
Gokseong-gun Mayor Cho Sang-rae declared a vision for the development of Gokseong Traditional Market and revitalized the local economy at the culture and tourism-type traditional market vision declaration ceremony attended by key figures, including representatives of local merchant associations, and expressed his will to revitalize the local commercial district.
This event was carried out with the voluntary participation and efforts of traditional market merchants in organizing and operating the program, and served as an opportunity to increase the pride of merchants and revitalize the traditional market. Traditional market merchants and military officials said, “In order to increase the competitiveness of the Gokseong Train Village traditional market, we plan to make the traditional market a visitor-centered open space to provide better services and diverse experience opportunities to visitors.”
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Gokseong-gun
Interview: Promoting Community through Love Donations at the Gokseong Simcheong Children’s Grand Festival
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day, and thank you for joining us today! We’re excited to discuss the recent Gokseong Simcheong Children’s Grand Festival and the impactful role played by the Gokseong Youth Chamber (Gokseong JCI) in promoting the Hometown Love Donation System. Today, we have Mr. Choi Jong-myeong, the chairman of Gokseong JCI. Welcome, Mr. Choi!
Choi Jong-myeong: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share our experiences and initiatives.
Editor: The Gokseong Simcheong Children’s Festival sounds like a remarkable event. Can you tell us about the main goals of promoting the Hometown Love Donation System at the festival?
Choi Jong-myeong: Absolutely! Our primary goal was to raise awareness and encourage participation in the Hometown Love Donation System. We wanted to engage the local community, especially families attending the festival, in contributing to our military’s support system, which is so vital for fostering a sense of hometown pride and responsibility.
Editor: That’s inspiring! You mentioned that Gokseong JCI set up a promotional booth at the festival. What kind of activities did you offer to attract attendees?
Choi Jong-myeong: At the booth, we provided local gift certificates, large character balloons, and soap bubbles to donors. These offerings were particularly engaging for children, which helped create a fun and inviting atmosphere that encouraged families to contribute. We also made designated donations to the Hometown Love Donation System for parents who visited us.
Editor: It sounds like it was a great draw for families! During the festival, you raised an impressive 7,800,000 won from 210 contributors. What do you think drove this success?
Choi Jong-myeong: We believe that creating a welcoming environment, along with the personal touch of community involvement, made a significant difference. Our members, including both wife members and general members, actively participated and spread enthusiasm about the donation program. People appreciate seeing local youth leading community efforts, and that encouragement fosters generosity.
Editor: It’s wonderful that young people are taking the lead in community initiatives. Can you elaborate on the ongoing role of Gokseong JCI in community development, beyond just the festival?
Choi Jong-myeong: Certainly. Gokseong JCI was selected as a private organization for the military’s hometown love donation program last September. Our mission extends beyond fundraising; we focus on supporting community development and engaging in volunteer work, especially for the underprivileged and elderly. Our initiatives aim to inspire others and create a role model within the community.
Editor: That’s an admirable commitment! Shifting gears slightly, I understand that there was also a ‘Chick-Chug Night Market’ held during the festival. How did this event complement your efforts?
Choi Jong-myeong: The Night Market was a fantastic addition! Co-hosted with various local organizations, it showcased the rich culture and traditions of our area. It drew together merchants, residents, and tourists, creating a sense of community and celebration. The market helped amplify our fundraising efforts, as it provided a lively backdrop where our donation initiatives could flourish.
Editor: It sounds like the festival and the night market truly united the community. Looking ahead, what are your plans for Gokseong JCI and the Hometown Love Donation System?
Choi Jong-myeong: We’ll continue our efforts to raise awareness and expand participation in the hometown love donation initiative. We plan to organize more community-driven events to foster connections and encourage mutual support. Together with our members, we aim to innovate and enhance our community development strategies.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Choi, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that the Gokseong JCI is making a significant impact within the community. We look forward to following your initiatives.
Choi Jong-myeong: Thank you for the opportunity! We appreciate your support and interest in our work. Together, we can make a difference!