Shincheonji Volunteer Group Marks 40 Years of Community Service, Surpassing 1.11 Million Cumulative Volunteer Participants

Shincheonji Volunteer Group Marks 40 Years of Community Service, Surpassing 1.11 Million Cumulative Volunteer Participants

- Since 1986, the organization has carried out charitable initiatives in 14 areas, including disaster recovery, blood donation, and environmental clean-up.

- Recipient of 655 awards and commendations, including the Presidential Commendation, for contributions to disaster relief and community service in Korea and abroad.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group has spent the past 40 years serving local communities through a wide range of social contribution activities. What began as small acts of kindness to help neighbors in need has expanded into disaster recovery, life-saving blood donation campaigns, environmental conservation, and many other initiatives, extending its outreach beyond Korea to communities around the world.

The group's volunteer efforts date back to 1986. Its earliest activities included assisting underprivileged neighbors and promoting Korea while supporting the successful hosting of the 24th Seoul Olympic Games in 1988.

After years of engaging in various volunteer activities such as helping disadvantaged communities, environmental clean-up, and beauty service programs, the organization officially launched the Shincheonji Volunteer Group in 2011 to carry out volunteer work in a more systematic and professional manner.

Guided by the principles of being the "light and salt of the world" and practicing love for one's neighbors, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group has steadily expanded its volunteer outreach both in Korea and abroad. As a member of both the local community and the nation, it has also actively taken part in national crises, contributing to rapid recovery efforts and strengthening community resilience.

According to the organization's records, from the start of its statistical tracking in 2008 through July 21, 2026, the cumulative number of volunteer participants reached 1,119,925. In recognition of its continued dedication to volunteer service, the organization received a total of 655 awards and certificates of appreciation from the Korean government, local governments, and public institutions between 2013 and 2026. These include the Presidential Commendation and the Commendation from the President of the Korean Red Cross, among many others.

The group's commitment has also been evident at disaster sites. Earlier this month, when the Gokgyocheon Stream overflowed in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, flooding nearby farmland, volunteers joined recovery efforts despite temperatures reaching 37°C (98.6°F), helping restore greenhouses and agricultural fields.

Likewise, following the 2007 Taean oil spill, volunteers traveled to the affected coastal areas to assist with restoration efforts. Despite the freezing winter weather, they worked tirelessly to remove crude oil from rocks and sandy beaches, contributing to the recovery of the coastal ecosystem.

The organization has also maintained a long-standing commitment to life-saving blood donation. It began large-scale blood donation campaigns in 2008, with approximately 5,000 people participating each year. In 2022, it was recognized by the Korea Record Institute (KRI) for achieving the largest number of blood donors and the greatest number of blood donation certificates donated by a single organization within the shortest period of time.

During that campaign, 18,819 people donated blood over 17 days, while 32,324 blood donation certificates were donated to help address the nation's blood shortage. In recognition of these efforts, Shincheonji Church of Jesus received the Commendation from the President of the Korean Red Cross.

Over the past 18 years, the organization has conducted 260 blood donation campaigns, recording 43,841 cumulative volunteer participations. Most recently, the Jeonju Branch of the Jeonbuk Regional Association of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group requested a mobile blood donation bus to help address local blood shortages and held a blood donation campaign in the church parking lot, continuing its efforts to save lives.

Beyond these activities, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group continues to carry out community-based volunteer work while responding swiftly to national disasters and emergencies through on-site recovery efforts. Its volunteer activities span 14 areas, including environmental clean-up, support for older adults, assistance for vulnerable groups, support for multicultural families, services for people with disabilities, veterans' assistance, and agricultural and fisheries volunteer work, contributing to the spread of a culture of sharing throughout society.

A representative of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group said, "Wherever help is needed, we will continue to stand alongside our neighbors, both in Korea and abroad. Through sincere volunteer service and continued social contribution, we will strive to bring hope to communities around the world.”