Lakewood Receives Protective Gear Donation From Gimhae, Korea

LAKEWOOD, WA — The City of Lakewood is celebrating a donation of thousands of pieces of protective gear that just arrived from across the globe.

Lakewood and Gimhae, Korea have been Friendship Cities since 2006. In recognition of that, and the current pandemic across the United States, the City of Gimhae has sent a donation to Lakewood containing more than 10,000 KF94 masks and 1,000 full sets of personal protective equipment, including elusive N95 masks, eye covers and full body suits.

Alongside the donation was a letter from Gimhae's Mayor Seong Gon Heo wishing the residents of Lakewood well as they struggle through the coronavirus pandemic:

"Gimhae City wishes to share the grieves and pains of health care professionals, officials, and people of Lakewood, who have been suffering on the front line… It is my hope that this small donation from Gimhae may help Lakewood get over with the COVID-19. I pray for Mr. Mayor and the people of Lakewood to stay healthy and well, and desire that the two cities will work together to continue mutual developments with the spirit of solidarity, engagement, and cooperation when the COVID-19 crisis ends."

In return, Lakewood's leaders have expressed their gratitude for the generous donation.

“We are so incredibly grateful for Gimhae’s generosity and support as we continue to respond to the coronavirus pandemic here in Lakewood," wrote Mayor Don Anderson. "This donation will make a significant difference in our ability to effectively suppress the spread of the virus, particularly for some of Lakewood’s most vulnerable residents. "

Now that the donation has been received, the city says they'll be distributing the masks to community members, non-profits and local businesses over the coming days. Meanwhile, the protective equipment sets will be sent to first responders and city workers investigating coronavirus outbreaks at local workplaces.