The children were gathered around the cloth covered podium, faces a mixture of delight and awe as the magician performed magic tricks for his young audience. Some children clutched blue and white colored balloons, their eyes wide with anticipation, while others would quickly swivel around to look at their neighbor, their mouths gaping, as if to say, "Did you see that?!"

For some of these children, it was the first Christmas celebration that they had enjoyed in many years. For others, it was a new experience altogether. The atmosphere was mellow and friendly and the excitement of the children was infectious to all those who were involved in bringing this event together for them.

On December 12th, 2008, Paragon Relocation Korea participated in an annual Christmas charity event that benefited 150 local orphans from the SOS Children’s Village. The annual event, hosted by the Europe-Korea Foundation (EKF) and various Korean companies, including Paragon Relocation Korea, seeks to bring the holiday season to social orphans (children who come from families where the child cannot be cared for because of incarceration, extreme poverty, physical abuse or abandonment).

Through generous donations of school supplies such as paper and writing utensils, books, toys, clothes, and food, Paragon was able to help bring cheer to these children who otherwise might not have had a Christmas. Brian Lee and Shine Kim, Paragon Relocation Korea employees, were on hand to participate and coordinate the festivities.

The EKF is the charity arm of the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK). The EKF assumes an assortment of programs whose goals are to promote stronger ties and greater understanding between North and South Korea and the European Union. Working with the local community businesses in Seoul, they were able to bring Christmas to the SOS Children’s Village of Seoul, one of the many Children’s Villages operated by SOS Kinderdorf International. These SOS Children’s Villages are located in 132 countries and territories around the world. They offer family-based, long term care for children and youths whose families are no longer able to care for them properly.

For those interested in finding out more about SOS Kinderdorf International and what you can do to help, please visit www.sos-childrensvillages.org