Meet MONA’s Market Volunteers

MONA has achieved remarkable success with the launch of two offline free markets and is eagerly preparing for the third one, scheduled for July 23, 2023! The MONA Free Market has become a grand showcase of generosity, offering hundreds of items for giveaway on each occasion. This incredible feat is made possible by our team of dedicated volunteers, standing alongside MONA's founder, Quinn. These enthusiastic volunteers are none other than our cherished MONA members, who themselves once received free items from the MONA Facebook Group as they embraced life in Korea. Now, driven by a desire to give back to the vibrant MONA community, they generously contribute their time and organizational skills to make each event a memorable success. Let's take a moment to meet and appreciate these friendly and selfless helpers who are the heart and soul of MONA's endeavors!

MONA's First Free Market Volunteers, from left to right: Gihan, Jessica, Lana, Mun, Quinn (MONA Founder)

MONA's First Free Market Volunteers, from left to right: Jeric, Jessica, Quinn (MONA Founder), Lana, Jhem

Jeric Cabral (Filipino)

Hello everyone. My name is Jeric Cabral. I came from the Philippines, and I came to South Korea during August of last year to take my Master.
I started to be a member of MONA in January of this year. I'm so grateful and blessed to be part of the group because I receive valuable stuff and help them to recycle things and reduce waste. Other than giving and receiving in MONA, it helps me also to connect and meet other people and to be accustomed to the location.
One of my love languages is service, and I want to give back the blessings I receive from all the generous members of MONA by being a volunteer. I love how MONA works in the lives of all here in Korea to offer awareness to everyone about sustainability and waste management. I hope that someday, many people will be aware and take the initiative to save our Mother Earth.

Jhem (Filipino)

Hi! My name is Jeremy Ann Rubio from the Philippines. I came to Korea in August of last year as a student and missionary as well. I joined MONA this year of January and truly MONA has been a great blessing to me.
I thought there are no more free things in this world but MONA has proved that free things still exist in this world partnered with the generous hearts of the various givers from different nationalities who are also supporting the mission of MONA to create social impact and promote sustainability.
I've received many valuable and necessary things (clothes, household items, bicycle, food, books, etc.) from MONA Facebook group which I believe is God's way of blessing me and all the people who are in need as well. As a missionary here in Korea, I mainly rely on God's provision and not spend too much on my resources, and whenever I need something I just pray to God. I personally called MONA as "Heavenly MONA" because most of the items I received from MONA are my prayer items and I personally believe God is using MONA as an instrument of blessing to provide my needs and be of blessing to others as well. It may sound religious but that's the reality of how I am blessed for being part of the MONA community.
Because of MONA, I was able to be accustomed to various places here in Korea and met new people from different countries.
In addition, I am also sharing some of the items which I've got from MONA to my classmates who are new here in Korea and I am continuously promoting the MONA Facebook page to them.
Having said this, and with the heart of thankfulness as a blessed receiver of various things from the MONA community, I was really looking forward to how to give back and extend my service to the MONA community. So, when MONA announced the 1st free market event, I volunteered and participated in that event to give back and be of service to the MONA community as a way to express my gratitude. I pray and hope that I can participate again as one of the volunteers in one of the upcoming events of MONA.
Finally, I thank Quinn and all the admin of MONA for having the dedication and passion to promote and manage MONA in the best way that they can. God bless and Kudos to the MONA community!

MONA's Second Free Market Volunteers, from left to right: Grace, Despina, Maria, Thelma

​Despina Hannah (Greek German American)

​Hi, my name is Despina Hannah and I came to Seoul about 9 months ago now for my year off work, in order to learn Korean and travel the country. I wish I had known of MONA when I first moved here!! It’s such an incredible resource and community! Since getting more adjusted to life in Seoul, I’ve gotten some extra things from MONA, and not only that, some people I met and got things from became friends as well. Beyond that, Quinn has become a close friend and has helped me so incredibly much - she’s so giving and creates all these spaces for us to gather, so I wanted to try and do something, even if it’s small, to support and thank her 😊.
I’ve also always been interested in sustainability and reducing consumerism. I studied it at university and am looking to reduce my own consumerism, so MONA just works on so many different levels! 😊

Maria (Indonesia)

My name is Maria, I came to Seoul in February 2023 to learn Korean. Being an international student in Seoul, MONA has helped me save money. I received a lot of valuable stuff for free from other members of MONA (college textbooks, stationeries, clothes, air purifier), so I would like to give back to the community by being a volunteer and help as much as I could. It feels wonderful to see how items that someone no longer needs can be someone else's valuable items and spark joy for others. It's definitely a rewarding experience.
Being part of MONA makes me feel like I'm not alone here in Korea. I love how MONA always strives to create a safe space for the members to give and receive items for free. Not only that, MONA has also definitely made me become more aware about sustainability issues.

Somin (Grace) (Korean)

My name is Somin (or Grace). I was born in the US but was raised almost entirely in Korea. I met Quinn while working on a sustainability related project and was deeply inspired by her passion and dedication for building an all-inclusive community. I was intrigued by the idea of MONA since the first time I was introduced to it. I am currently studying sustainable development in college and working for MONA has helped me recognize the power of small businesses in changing the entire consumption trend. I believe MONA proves the potential for a new waste management strategy that can also be implemented internationally. But for now, I’m volunteering here to expand the awareness of sustainable lifestyle among Koreans as it is not yet getting enough attention from the public.

MONA is incredibly grateful to have a dedicated and passionate team of volunteers who play a pivotal role in making our free market events a resounding success every time. Their unwavering commitment to our mission of creating a sustainable and sharing community is the driving force behind MONA's growth and impact. As we continue to work together to support and uplift our community, we invite you to join us as a volunteer. Follow @monaofficial.kr on Instagram to stay updated on upcoming events and discover exciting opportunities to become a valuable part of the MONA movement. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for all.