"Thanks to joining Samsung Electronics on Dec. 31, 1997, I was able to break the chain of hard times in a one-room basement that continued for 20 years after my father passed away. A good job is a great happiness for A Normal Family. There were people like teachers who would call me on duty to teach me English and share reference books, and thanks to them I grew up thinking, 'I should share two months' salary each year' as an adult. I hope the spirit of sharing will continue and become a culture that supports our society." (Hwang Kyung-mun, professional at Samsung Electronics and the top donor to the Sharing Kiosk in 2025)
"This year was really hard. Yujun (an alias) underwent a difficult surgery and could not attend school. Another surgery is scheduled next year, and we are going through exhausting times both physically and mentally. Government support will end next year, so thank you for reaching out to us at a daunting moment. Thanks to the support for medical expenses in 2023 and 2024, my child was able to receive speech and robot therapy, and I could see confidence grow as the speed of movement improved. My wish is to watch Yujun move forward, even little by little." (Mother of Yujun, who has a brain lesion disability)
When you tap your employee badge, 1,000 won is donated. Samsung turned one employee's idea, which aimed to make sharing an "everyday part" rather than a special act, into the Sharing Kiosk 10 years ago. The donations that Samsung employees have collected by sharing in their daily lives have reached 11.2 billion won. The funds have been used for 3,770 children struggling with rare diseases, disabilities, and illnesses.
◇ Everyday giving for 10 years… "miracle at your fingertips"
On the 13th, Samsung held the "2025 Day of Sharing" event at the Digital Hall of the Samsung Electronics Suwon Digital City in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, to mark the 10th anniversary of the Sharing Kiosk. Launched in 2015 at the Samsung Electronics Gumi plant, the Sharing Kiosk is now operated at 23 Samsung affiliates. A total of 108 units have been installed in Korea and 43 overseas. They are mainly installed in accessible locations such as walking paths and cafeterias within business sites. A Samsung official said, "Seeing employees read the stories of children and teenagers in need and tag their badges has become an everyday scene at Samsung affiliates' business sites," adding, "We plan to expand the Sharing Kiosk to domestic and overseas business sites so that the culture of 'everyday giving' can spread widely."
The Day of Sharing event was held to share the results that Samsung employees have achieved through the Sharing Kiosk over the past 10 years. Before hosting the Day of Sharing, Samsung also held a two-week "Sharing Week" starting on the 3rd, and a settlement of account was carried out.
In a welcome address, Park Seung-hee, head of CR at Samsung Electronics, said, "The Sharing Kiosk, a donation program by employees for employees, is now called a 'miracle at your fingertips,'" adding, "Samsung will continue the good changes that donations create together with local communities."
◇ Four blood donation buses donated this year… a total of 40 to be supported
During Sharing Week, Samsung employees practiced sharing in various ways, including in-person volunteering for local communities near business sites, Sharing Kiosk donations, and a blood donation campaign. About 88,000 employees participated across 23 domestic affiliates. A special fundraiser was also held for 20 children, two per day over 10 weekdays excluding weekends. The 300 million won raised was delivered to partner nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that day.
During this Sharing Week, the blood donation campaign that has continued annually since 1996 was also held. This year, a total of 16 blood donation buses operated at business sites nationwide, and about 3,600 people participated over two weeks. Along with this, Samsung donated four blood donation buses to the Korean Red Cross that day. Samsung executives donated a portion of their special incentive in Jan. 2022, raising about 10 billion won and delivering four blood donation buses each year. Samsung has produced and delivered 16 blood donation buses through this year. It plans to donate a total of 40.
At this Day of Sharing event, Samsung Electronics recognized outstanding participants in volunteering and donations this year, including Sharing Kiosk donations, in-person volunteering, blood donations, and pro bono work, selecting awardees in the Device Solutions (DS) and Device Experience (DX) institutional sectors, respectively. Each affiliate also selected and recognized outstanding employee volunteers and donors internally.
◇ "let's go together to the future"… 'pledge to donate' program in November
Samsung employees are also taking part in a "pledge to donate" that runs throughout November. Through the internal intranet, they select the CSR program they want to donate to next year and set the desired donation amount. The pledged amount is automatically donated from their monthly salary. The company grants matching funds on a 1-to-1 basis for the amount pledged by employees. As of Oct., about 72,000 Samsung Electronics employees are participating in the pledge to donate.
Through the donation pledge, Samsung has operated the Honors Club since 2024 to honor employees who have donated at least 300,000 won per month for five consecutive years. Three people were newly listed in the Honors Club this year, bringing the total to nine. Honors Club members receive a commemorative plaque and benefits such as invitations to cultural and arts performances hosted by the company.