S. Korean firms join move to help quake-hit Haiti

(ATTN: CORRECTS dollar amount of aid in para 5 to $146,000 from $16,000); ADDS more
info in paras 6-7)
SEOUL, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean firms were moving Sunday to support
quake-stricken Haiti, with the country's No. 1 automaker, Hyundai Motor Co.,
sending US$100,000 to the Red Cross.
A massive magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit the Caribbean state Wednesday, causing the
deaths of at least 50,000 people, according to the latest report by the Red
Cross.
The powerful earthquake is said to have destroyed thousands of buildings and
homes, with tens of thousands of bodies still buried in the rubble and the United
Nations cautioning against aftershocks.
"We have joined international society's humanitarian effort to help Haiti. We
hope to see the country recovering from the earthquake within a short period of
time," a Hyundai Motor official said.
Kolon Group, founded in 1954, said it will send some 150 sets of Kolon
Sports-made tents, worth at least 180 million won ($146,000), via the
non-governmental organization Good Neighbors International.
"Chairman Lee Woong-ryul ordered the tents to be sent, saying they are one of the
most needed items for victims who have lost their homes," a Kolon official said.
Samsung Group and other major business groups in South Korea are expected to come
up with details on their individual aid plan for the quake-devastated country
this week.
The Federation of Korean Industries, South Korea's largest business lobby, and
three other business bodies plan to create a joint aid package to be delivered to
the Hatians, an industy source said
South Korea has sent a 35-member disaster assistance team and supplies worth $1
million to Haiti earlier this week, and is planning extra aid, according to
presidential spokeswoman Kim Eun-hye.
Some 70 South Koreans were residing in the country when the earthquake hit, but
all of them have been confirmed to be safe.
hayney@yna.co.kr
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