Success at Geoje school’s first charity jumble sale

A charity jumble sale at an English village attracted more than 700 Koreans and foreigners to raise cash for a disabled people’s charity.

The first Geoje English Village event of its kind saw foreign volunteers sell donated goods to raise funds for social welfare foundation Ai Kwang Won.

Staff at the school on South Korea’s second-largest island also held open classes for parents and kids at the semi-public school subsidized by Geoje City Government and operated by Herald Media.

English-speaking staff played traditional games and gave live song and dance performances at the Nov. 12 event held at the school near Deokpo Beach on the South Gyeongsang province island.

Many visitors enjoyed food and items made by the disabled people who use the services of Ai Kwang Won, while volunteer team “Kum-kang-sa” taught tea etiquette through a traditional tea ceremony and offered samples to guests. Volunteers also talked to shoppers in English, with ribbon and bow-making, face-painting and magic balloons among the treats on offer.

The event raised about 3 million won (about $2,600) in total.

“All the profits from the charity were donated to a welfare organization for the disabled and will be meaningfully used,” Geoje English Village Director Lee Hwi-Young said.

“Thanks to all the volunteers’ assistance, the charity rummage sale event was a great success.”

By Kirsty Taylor (kirstyt@heraldcorp.com)