More Coverage of Our 2nd Annual Clothing Drive in Groove Magazine's June Issue

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HOPE Promotes Intercultural Volunteering and Goodwill
at its 2nd Annual Clothing Drive
By Veronica Somos, 2010-06-06

On the evening of Saturday, April 10th, the HOPE organization hosted its 2nd Annual Clothing Drive at Gecko’s Bonji Bistro in Itaewon. HOPE’s clothing drive landed on the perfect weekend—with spring’s warm weather just around the corner, Seoulites were cleaning out their closets and homeward-bound English teachers were happy to shed their winter wardrobe for a good cause. Almost one hundred generous individuals stopped by with used or unwanted items. HOPE collected over a dozen large garbage bags filled with everything from winter coats and boots, to eyeglasses and luggage. Donators were invited to stay awhile and enjoy the beer and snacks that HOPE and Gecko’s provided. All clothing that HOPE collected went to North Korean refugees in need, by way of the Durihana Missionary Foundation. Durihana has been assisting North Korean refugees in China and South Korea since 2000. HOPE also received 700,000 won in cash donations. These proceeds were split evenly between HOPE and Durihana.

HOPE (Helping Others Prosper through English) is a Seoul-based, intercultural, volunteer-run NGO. Founded in 2008 by three Canadian English teachers and current executive director, John Baek, HOPE’s primary initiative has always been to bring free, high quality English lessons to underprivileged children throughout Seoul. With over twenty active English classes in the Seoul area, and more to come, HOPE targets the problem of inaccessible private instruction for children from low-income families. In collaboration with local children’s centers, orphanages and churches, the volunteers at HOPE—both Koreans and native English speakers from around the world—hold elementary-and middle-school-level classes for at least one hour per week.

HOPE’s volunteers also work closely with several other local non-profit organizations, such as Durihana, to help Seoul’s most disadvantaged individuals. April’s clothing drive was the first in a series of special charity events that HOPE’s Project Director, Christie Vanorsdale, is organizing for 2010. Vanorsdale, an American English teacher in Seoul, believes that these events are great opportunities for foreigners and Koreans in Seoul to come together in an atmosphere of community, positivity and goodwill. The network of volunteers and volunteer resources in Seoul is growing every year, particularly among the foreign community. Volunteerism is a fantastic way for native English teachers in Korea to make their time abroad a more meaningful experience and become more engaged in the global community. The leaders and volunteers at HOPE strive to create a neutral space where individuals from a variety of backgrounds can work in harmony as they help those in need. “We want to provide one of the best volunteer experiences in Korea,” says Baek.

HOPE’s immediate goal is to raise funds for better classroom materials and books for its current and future students. The group also aims to establish its own, independent school in the upcoming year. HOPE is always looking for new volunteers and sponsors.

For updates on upcoming special events, and for information about how to donate and how to become a HOPE volunteer or sponsor, please visit the organization’s website: www.alwayshope.or.kr