YWCA of Korea Sends Powdered Milk to Children of Anju, North Korea
—–Through the Fundraising Efforts of 52 Local YWCAs and Maeil Milk Sponsorship—–
YWCA of Korea (President Kyung Eh Cha), in collaboration with 52 local YWCAs and Maeil Milk(Maeil Dairies Co. Ltd based in S. Korea), sent four tons of powdered milk to the city of Anju, south Pyongan province, in North Korea on December 14, 2011. This shipment of powdered milk was distributed to approximately 14,000 children suffering from chronic malnutrition by Anju pedriatic clinics, daycare centers, orphanages, and related organizations.
Anju, North Korea was one of five local YWCAs in northern Korea (which includes Pyongyang, Sunchon, Wonsan, Anju, and Hamheung) before the country’s division. YWCA of Korea focused their efforts on areas where local YWCAs had existed in the north by sending powdered milk to aid those children suffering from malnutrition as a result of severe food shortages.
Beginning in June 2011, YWCA of Korea raised 40,000 USD in a domestic fundraising campaign to aid the children of Anju. This amount was raised by the members and employees of 52 local YWCAs in collaboration with other likeminded organizations. The campaign declared the importance of using what we have to help those in need. The fundraising effort pitched the idea that if each person could give 1 USD a day, equal to 30 USD a month, then two cans of powdered milk could be sent to a child in North Korea.
Beginning in 1989, the YWCA of Korea began fundraising efforts in order to commit to the reconstruction of North Korean YWCA. For the first time in 1997, YWCA of Korea sent 25 tons of powdered milk to children in North Korean provinces. To establish a relationship of regular support, approximately 3,000 cans of powdered milk were sent in September 2010.
On the other hand, the powdered milk sent on December 14 was distributed by North Korea’s National Reconciliation Council to children in Anju, south Pyongan province. Subsequently, in efforts to evaluate and monitor this support, YWCA of Korea’s President, Kyung Ai Cha, and other practitioners will visit the city of Anju in the near future.
