As the climate crisis intensifies, disasters around the world are growing in scale and becoming significantly harder to predict. Korea is no exception.
In accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, local governments stockpile and manage tens of thousands of emergency relief kits every year. However, when compound disasters occur, gaps are bound to arise in the early stages of delivering relief supplies. An effective initial response to a disaster can have a significant impact on the psychological and physical health and safety of disaster victims. This is why proactive stockpiling of relief supplies by the private sector, along with the establishment of a rapid relief system that can meet practical needs at disaster sites, is more important than ever.
What disaster victims need most in the aftermath of a disaster is swift and thoughtful support to help restore balance to their disrupted lives. In response to this growing need, the International WeLoveU Foundation (“WeLoveU”) has launched a system to proactively stockpile relief supplies before disasters occur.
Delivering Hope Through Mother’s Love
On June 25, at the International WeLoveU Education Center, members were busy packing emergency relief kits to be delivered to neighbours facing hardship due to disasters. Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah also joined them, encouraging the members in their efforts and lending a hand in packing the kits, with the hope that the relief supplies would bring comfort and hope to disaster victims.
To minimise the time needed for deployment to disaster sites, WeLoveU’s emergency relief kits were designed as single, all-purpose kits that can be used immediately in any type of disaster. Each kit contains 27 daily necessities, medical supplies, and hygiene items, including essential survival supplies and everyday items that help provide physical and psychological stability for disaster victims who may suffer stress and discomfort after a sudden evacuation.
Relief Kit Contents
Expected Outcomes
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Protection of Human Dignity and Fundamental Rights
Provides immediate access to basic hygiene, warmth, and daily necessities, serving as a final safeguard for disaster victims as they begin to recover their daily lives.
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Support for Psychological Stability (Emotional Relief)
Helps disaster victims feel that a social safety net is in place through the prompt provision of relief supplies, bringing them emotional comfort and reassurance.
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Public Health, Hygiene, and Infectious Disease Prevention
Helps proactively prevent group infections in shelters by providing hygiene supplies such as face masks and hand sanitiser.
Members carefully packed each item into 45-litre storage boxes, ensuring that everything was neatly organised and secure. After arranging the daily necessities and hygiene supplies, they placed a blanket on top and finished each kit by attaching a “WeLoveU Emergency Relief Kit” sticker. By the end of the day, 500 emergency relief kits were ready to be delivered to disaster victims.
Members said that although the work was not easy, it was deeply rewarding to know that the relief kits would help sustain someone through a difficult day.
“I hope that when people affected by disasters open these kits, they will feel as if they are opening a bag packed with a mother’s care.”
“I hope our neighbours’ lives will not be deeply shaken by disasters. Though these relief kits may be only a small help, I hope they bring them comfort.”
The 500 emergency relief kits, completed with sweat and smiles, carry a message of courage to disaster victims: “We can overcome this together.” WeLoveU will continue to bring hope to disaster sites. We hope that those affected by disasters will find the courage and comfort they need to move forward again.
