Two adults conduct the Walking School Bus program, supported by Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance, to help children commute to school in a safe way. / Courtesy of Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance

By Kim Tae-jong

Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance has participated in various volunteer activities and programs to help people in need, and at the heart of it is the insurer’s volunteer group, “Hi Life Relay Volunteer Corps.”

Consisting of the insurer’s employees, the corps was first established in 2005 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the insurance company. The group has since contributed to numerous volunteer works such as restoration in flooded areas and charity activities in orphanages and community centers.

The insurer’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities have been famous for its dedication to help low-income earners and the socially underprivileged.

Last December, employees opened a market in four offices in Seoul, Suwon, Gwangju and Ulsan to sell items that they donated and raised funds to help charity organizations. A total of 10,000 items were sold in the markets.

Employees and executive members have also delivered free meals to the homeless around Seoul Station and delivered briquettes to low-income families in winter for years.

The company has also participated in other volunteer activities using its experience as a leading insurer.

One such program is its “Walking School Bus” in association with 18 civic groups. The program aims at helping children commute to school in a safe way under the guidance of adults with expertise in traffic safety.

During the program, a group of schoolchildren are chaperoned by two adults who lead the group as a “driver” and conductor and walk them to school, teaching them the safe way to commute.

The firm also holds a music concert under the theme of traffic safety for children in which organizers aim at educating children on traffic rules to reduce accidents.

Employees and executive members also voluntarily donate 2,000 won from their monthly paycheck to support children from families who suffer financial difficulties from car accidents.

The firm’s regular donation to the Salvation Army has also been acclaimed as it received the plaque for “Best Donor” last December.
The insurer also pays attention to various social issues such as the high suicide rate among teenagers, and school violence and is trying to help improve the situation.

The company has joined a campaign by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and youth protection civic groups to reduce school violence and help victims.

It is sponsoring counseling programs and annual seminars hosted by leaders from various sectors who can serve as mentors for teenagers.