The Oil Spill - volunteer opportunity

[Virginia]

Unless you've been living under an oily rock, you should by now be aware that, last Thursday, there was an oil spill off the west coast of Korea. It's a bit further north than Jeollanamdo.

I'm not posing any links to any articles, since there are such a plethora of them to be found online (hint - try searching "oil spill"), and on the televised news as well (CNN, BBC etc).

A group of us are trying to get organized to go up to Taeon to help with cleaning up the spill. It will be wet, cold, smelly work, but you'll feel better about yourself in the end. And really, how many of us have ever been this close to an environmental disaster AND had the time/opportunity to help?

If you are on Facebook, there is a group where we are currently organizing things like transportation, equipment etc:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6707456628&ref=mf

From Nicola's original post on Facebook:

Taean needs more volunteers. The county office openly called for volunteers and related equipment such as oil absorbent, rubber boots, gloves, plastic buckets and clothing. ``It was such an unexpected disaster and it was larger than we could ever prepare for,'' an office spokesman said. He said the office is even considering buying the absorbents from Japan or the United States.

The Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other civic groups offered meals to the volunteers who work for absorbing the oil stains in the beaches.

For more information needed for offering help, visit www.taean.go.kr or call 041-670-2345 for equipment and 042-825-1646 for volunteering.

Kudos to Nicola for getting this ball rolling. Kudos to the Suncheon crew for representing (even though they live further away than any of us) and kudos to YOU if you decide to use your power for good instead of evil.

[Samuel]

volunteering information:
 
I. An expat group in Ansan -
Expat Helping Hands - that has gotten mobilized and is coordinating volunteers to head to the affected area this coming weekend-Dec. 15-16, as well as future dates (to be announced).

The web address is: http://expathh.wordpress.com/

the website provides information about what volunteers can expect, how to volunteer with this group and, for those who are unable to actively participate in the clean-up but would like to support clean-up efforts, a bank account where donations are being collected. (note: funds that are donated will be used to provide volunteers with protective clothing, clean-up tools, transportation, food, accommodations, etc..)

 
II. Weekend volunteering organized by an Environment NGO of Gwangju
This one-day program doesn't offer English interpreter but we sure they can help you.
 
When: 15, Saturday Dec. (Only one day), as well as future dates (to be announced).
What: remove oil, saving birds, restoration, etc.
Schedule:Start 6:30am in front of Gwangju city hall - Arrive in Taean 9:00 - Orientation 9:30 - Volunteering 10:00 to 16:00 - Depart from Taean 17:00
Preparations: old clothes, gloves, rubber gloves, mask, cap, towel (offer rubber boots and prevention cloth)
Cost:15000won (includes bus fare, lunch, insurance, snacks)
tel: 062) 514-5470 (***You should call them first to make a reservation)
 
 If you have any question regarding these, feel free to contact GIC.
Have a nice weekend!
 
Jiyeon Kim
GIC Coordinator


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Gwangju International Center
Phone: 062)226-1050, 2734
gwangjuic@gmail.com
gwangjunews@gmail.com
http://www.gwangjuic.or.kr