On August 5, KT&G provided emergency summer supplies to support vulnerable communities suffering from the effects of the ongoing climate crisis, as Korea continues to experience extreme heat waves and torrential rains.

According to recent data, the number of heat-related illnesses nationwide has surged to 3,200 as of the 5th—more than double the figure from the same period last year—with 19 deaths reported.

In response to these alarming climate conditions, KT&G supplied cooling pads and summer bedding sets worth 50 million KRW to 1,000 vulnerable seniors living in difficult environments across the country. The relief items will be distributed through senior welfare centers nationwide in cooperation with the Korea Association of Senior Welfare Centers. In certain regions, KT&G employee volunteer groups visited elderly residents in person to deliver the supplies and offer support.

This initiative was made possible through the KT&G SangSang Fund, a corporate social contribution fund created through employee donations, with the company matching each contribution on a one-to-one ratio. Since its launch in 2011, the SangSang Fund has raised a total of 47.5 billion KRW, which has been used to support vulnerable communities and respond to natural disasters both domestically and abroad.

“We hope this aid helps elderly individuals stay safe and healthy during the extreme heat,” said a KT&G representative. “KT&G will continue to grow alongside the local community and fulfill its social responsibilities as a corporate citizen.”

In addition to this effort, KT&G donated 500 million KRW to the National Disaster Relief Association in July to aid in the recovery and relief of communities affected by recent heavy rains. The company also contributed another 500 million KRW to restore forests in the Yeongnam region earlier in March, and it continues to expand its environmental efforts, including the creation of the ‘KT&G SangSang Forest’ in Uljin-gun, Gyeongbuk last year.