An 11-year-old girl named Hanuel, who has faced significant health challenges since birth, is receiving much-needed support thanks to a partnership between LG Uplus and Save the Children. Hanuel, who was born with severe brain damage due to newborn aspiration syndrome, cannot speak and relies on her guardian for assistance in daily activities. Her situation worsened last year when she suffered third-degree burns in an accident, necessitating skin graft surgery.
Her father, the sole provider for the family, struggles to cover the mounting hospital bills associated with her extensive medical care. The financial burden is overwhelming, particularly given the long-term treatment required for burn recovery, which can be both costly and prolonged.
In response to the urgent needs of children like Hanuel, Save the Children has been actively conducting healthcare projects aimed at supporting the healthy growth of children regardless of their medical conditions. These initiatives include providing financial assistance for medical check-ups, outpatient treatments, hospitalizations, and surgical procedures.
On April 25, 2025, Save the Children hosted a donation ceremony with LG Uplus to raise funds specifically for children requiring burn treatment. This collaboration is part of LG Uplus’s broader community support program called 'Love of 1,000 Won,' which encourages employees to donate a small sum from their salaries to various charitable causes.
Since its inception in 2023, the 'Love of 1,000 Won' initiative has raised funds to support various projects, including meal support for children, provision of infant products, and assistance for children with disabilities. The program exemplifies the company's commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
Kim Myung-hwa, a senior manager at LG Uplus overseeing the 'Love of 1,000 Won' program, expressed hope that the donations would provide tangible assistance to children enduring the physical and emotional pain associated with burns. "We hope this will be a practical help to children suffering from physical and emotional pain caused by burns," she stated. "We will continue to work with Save the Children to ensure that these children can grow up healthy."
Kim Hee-kwon, head of the ESG Affairs at Save the Children, also emphasized the importance of continued support for burn victims. "Children who suffer from burns require careful and ongoing treatment. We are grateful to LG Uplus employees for their heartfelt contributions, which will help ensure that children like Hanuel can recover and lead healthy lives," he said.
The partnership between LG Uplus and Save the Children not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also aims to provide a foundation for emotional support and recovery. The funds raised will be used for both medical expenses and psychological counseling, acknowledging that healing from such traumatic experiences involves addressing mental health as well.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive care for children facing health crises, particularly those from low-income families who may not have access to necessary treatments. The collaboration is a beacon of hope for many families struggling with similar challenges.
As the donation program continues, LG Uplus and Save the Children are committed to expanding their efforts to reach more children in need. The organizations aim to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity for a healthy future.
In a world where many children face dire health challenges, the collaboration between corporations and NGOs like Save the Children is crucial. It highlights the power of community support and the impact that collective efforts can have on improving the lives of vulnerable populations.
As LG Uplus moves forward with its charitable initiatives, the hope is that more companies will join in similar efforts, recognizing their role in fostering a healthier, more equitable society for all children. The ongoing commitment to support children like Hanuel is not just about funding; it's about creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
