The Community Chest of Korea on Monday kicked off its two-month fund-raiser for this year, aiming to collect 267 billion won ($246 million), slightly more than last year’s donations.

The “Hope 2013 Sharing Campaign” was launched in a ceremony in Myeong-dong, Seoul, with the campaign slogan “A United Korea through Sharing.” The campaign will last for 67 days until the end of January.

Minister of Health and Welfare Lim Chae-min, Community Chest of Korea chairman Lee Dong-kurn and Community Chest Seoul chapter head Lee Yeon-bae attended the event, as well as marathoner Lee Bong-ju and actress Chae Shi-ra, who are honorary ambassadors for the charity.

Prior to the ceremony, Lim and chairman Lee visited President Lee Myung-bak and first lady Kim Yoo-ok, the honorary chairman, and handed them the “fruit of love,” a berry that symbolizes the organization.

The Community Chest will set up “Thermometers of Love” in 16 cities across the country that display the amount of donations received starting from Dec. 1. The organization will also continue their regular donation and sharing programs.

Those interested can donate by phone (060-700-1212), purchasing merchandise, with credit card points, in collection boxes stationed at subway stations and banks, and online at the Community Chest website.

By Sang Youn-joo (sangyj@heraldcorp.com)