Daewoo E&C continues CSR activities amid pandemic
Daewoo E&C CEO Kim Hyung, left, poses with Habitat for Humanity Korea Chairman Yoon Hyung-joo after they signed an MOU to improve the residential environment in and outside of Korea at the construction company's headquarters in Seoul, March 16. Courtesy of Daewoo E&C
By Kim Jae-heun
Daewoo Engineering & Construction has long been contributing to the local community to seek mutual growth. The construction firm's employees as well as their families and student ambassadors often pulled together to help those in need.
However, with the outbreak of COVID-19, the government put in place social distancing measures across the country that restricted people's outdoor activities. This led to fewer volunteers participating in community service and the number of people in need of help has increased considerably.
Daewoo E&C also faced some restrictions with its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities but it decided to adopt contactless programs to continue its social contribution.
Fixing homes for residents in need is one of the programs that the construction firm has long been undertaking together with Habitat for Humanity Korea. Daewoo E&C staff visit old houses and repair and replace floor covering and kitchen sinks. Over 2,000 employees have visited a total of 100 houses so far as part of the community service.
During the pandemic, the construction company decided to reduce the number of staff visiting the houses in need of repair to under five.
It also sent volunteer workers to childcare facilities in Seoul last November and December. At the same time, the staff fixed heating systems, water leaks and removed mold at the facilities to improve hygiene and safety.
In March, Daewoo E&C signed a memorandum of understanding with Habitat for Humanity to expand its CSR project overseas including to Vietnam. The construction firm aims to create synergy with the community service organization to eradicate housing poverty and regenerate urban cities.
Last May, 250 Daewoo E&C employees and their family members donated face masks and money to adoption agency Eastern Social Welfare Society.
They also joined a number of blood donation drives. Daewoo E&C has been participating in the blood donation campaigns since 2006. Last September, a total of 100 people donated blood.