Conscious Consumerism for Sharing
(Published December 26, 2012)

Gyeonggi Government hosts the “Chak Chak Chak Festival” exhibition at the square on December 26

◇ The “Chak Chak Chak Festival” exhibition is open from 10:00 to 17:00 at Suwon Station’s square on the second floor of the building. ⓒ G-News Plus / Yu Je-hun

Gyeonggi Province unveiled an exhibition for products made by senior citizens, rehabilitated workers, and disabled people on December 26 at the square on 2F Suwon Station.

The exhibition ran for seven hours from 10:00 to 17:00, titled the “Chak Chak Chak (first syllables of the Korean words for good products, good consumerism, and good sharing) Festival.”
 
The event was organized by the Gyeonggi Provincial Government with help from the Gyeonggi Province Self-sufficiency Center, GyeongGi-Do Job Information Center for Senior, and Gyeonggi Facilities for Selling Products Produced by the Disabled to promote and heighten awareness of conscious consumerism and sharing.

Kim Moon-soo, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, In Gyeong-seok, President of the Gyeonggi Welfare Foundation, Choi Sin-won, President of the Community Chest of Gyeonggi, Lee Hong-bae, President of the Gyeonggi Seniors Club, U Jeong-seok, President of the Gyeonggi Province Self-sufficiency Center, Kim Min-su, Chairman of the Gyeonggi-do Disabled Welfare Facilities Association, Jeon Chang-ho, President of the Gyeonggi Association of Vocational Rehabilitation Facilities for the Disabled, Jeong Deok-hwan, President of the Korea Association of Vocational Rehabilitation Facilities for the Disabled, Yu Seok-yong, Vice President of the Gyeonggido Disabled Welfare Facilities Association, Jo Jae-uk, Station Master of Suwon Station, and other officials and citizens numbering 200 attended the opening ceremony.

The exhibition was held on the second floor of Suwon Station building. It consisted of 17 booths for products made by handicapped people, 21 booths for products made by rehabilitated employees, 12 booths for the selling of goods produced by senior citizens and/or promotion of natural soaps, handicrafts, and food.

The “Chak Chak Chak Festival” began with a message of hope, followed by a congratulatory speech and a ceremony pledging to promote and continue the festival. At noon, certificates were given to those who contributed to job creation, and celebratory performances followed.
 ◇ Governor Kim Moon-soo and his officials go up on stage to give a speech on promoting the festival and opening new sales channels. ⓒ G-News Plus / Yu Je-hun

 “I have been making sesame seed oil for four years since I was 83 years old. I got this job through the Ansan Seniors Club. It allowed me to make new friends as well as some extra money. I feel healthier and more confident. I wish more senior citizens come across such good fortune,” said Ansan Seniors Club member Kim Won-yeong, who was present at the festival.

In his opening speech, Governor Kim noted that there are so many quality products out on display at this festival, but many sellers have trouble finding new customers. “I hope this festival becomes an annual event, or even a permanent shop. We may receive some complaints from already existing shops, but our goal is mutual coexistence and prosperity. The local government will be there to back them up,” he vowed.

Lee Sun-yeong (54, Suwon), who was at the festival, bought a scarf moments ago. “Frankly, I was surprised at how well it was made. Considering the amount of yarn this took, it practically cost me nothing. I wish there were more events like these so that the general public can learn more about what is available,” he said.
 
The Gyeonggi Province Self-sufficiency Center oversees all rehabilitation projects in the province, including 32 local rehabilitation centers and 169 rehabilitation enterprises. It is involved in supporting newly established businesses and educating upcoming entrepreneurs and rehabilitated people for the purpose of creating new jobs for low-income families.
 
As the hub of 31 cities in Gyeonggi Province, the GyeongGi-Do Job Information Center for Senior was established in 2006 to get more senior citizens to become involved in volunteer work and social activities.
 
The Gyeonggi Facilities for Selling Products Produced by the Disabled is run by the Ministry of Health & Welfare and the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, helping handicapped people get jobs. To ensure stable income, the facilities boost sales by putting products on display during exhibitions, promotional events, and other channels.◇ Governor Kim visits the booth after the ceremony, trying out the food and products. ⓒ G-News Plus / Yu Je-hun
 ◇ “Chak Chak Chak Festival” at Suwon Station building ⓒ G-News Plus / Yu Je-hun

ⓒ G-News Plus News | Im Se-jin sejeenee@kg21.net
 
http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201212261506297055C048&s_code=C048