hankyoreh

By Kim Kyu-won, staff reporter
Members of the Korea NGO Council for Cooperation with North Korea (KNCCK) and Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation (KCRC) have began a one-month drive to provide 3000 tons of wheat flour for children and flood victims in North Korea. KNCCK is an umbrella organization that represents 53 NGOs that provide aid to North Korea.
The two organizations held a joint press conference on August 28 at the Korea Press Center in Seoul to ask people to help “gather love so that a meal of warm rice can be delivered to the children in the North.” In addition, they asked the South Korean government to lift sanctions on North Korea, which are obstacles to providing humanitarian aid.
The 3000 tons that the organizations are hoping to provide for North Korea will cost between 1.6 billion to 1.8 billion won (about US$1.4 million). Of the 3000 tons, 500 tons have already been prepared by World Vision and the two organizations will try to bring together 1000 tons. The rest will need to come from donations.
The assistance will go to flood victims and children in South Pyongyan and Hwanghae provinces in the North. In addition to flour, medical supplies and other necessities will also be provided.
The fund raising will take place between August 8 to September 28 and donations can be made through telephone number 060-700-0400, mobile number #5004 and homepage helpnkchild.net. On September 17 a special fund raising event will take place with public figures participating.
Ministry of Unification spokesperson Kim Hyung-seok said, “The government has allowed humanitarian aid to North Korea from the NGO’s and if necessary we are also in the position to provide assistance.”
　
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