The National Pension Service has launched a new volunteer group named “Pro Bono,” a company official said on Wednesday.

The NPS held the launch ceremony at its headquarters in southeastern Seoul on Tuesday for the opening of “sharing bank accounts” for its staff in which funds will be raised for medical treatments for disabled children.

The title “Pro Bono” comes from a Latin term meaning “for the good of the public.” It refers to distributing knowledge and public service to the citizens free of charge.

“The staff members who have vocational skills and knowledge in various fields including social welfare, nursing, architecture, language and even magic decided to form a group that provides tailored services to the beneficiaries,” said the company official.

The NPS also agreed with the Korea National Council on Social Welfare to fund those who are disabled as part of the share-account campaign, which has benefited 16 million people since 2007.

The disabled children received 10.8 million won ($9,440) worth of donations. They were also promised sponsorship until they became adults.

An NPS official added, “We will strive to expand our movement so that its services by our volunteers with different types of certifications will be more worthwhile.”

By Kim Eun-seo, Intern reporter
(estee.kim@gmail.com)