Social-humanitarian work is one of key tasks made by Red Cross Societies at all levels. Through significant movements, namely “Tet for the poor and Agent Orange victims”, “Each organization, individual should stick to a humanitarian address”…, provincial Red Cross Society and its affiliates have helped many unfortunate people rise up. 

A ceremony handing over a house of compassion to the poor in Tan Uyen district’s Thanh Hoi commune

Tet for the poor and Agent Orange victims

Tran Thi Lien, Chairwoman of provincial Red Cross Society said: “In 2013, provincial Red Cross Society continues being assigned the central target of mobilizing VND9bln for the program “Tet for the poor and Agent Orange victims. We always try our best to bring all disadvantaged people a cozy and happy Tet”.

With the integral effort by the society’s cadres and members, the local fund for the program “Tet for the poor and Agent Orange victims” in the following year is always higher than that of the previous year. Particularly, the whole society mobilized VND6.1bln from organizations and individuals for the program in 2011. The figure increased to nearly VND9.2bln, contributing to bringing nearly 35,000 people a cozy and happy Tet.

Vuong Vinh Thang, representative of province-based Chinese community said: “We always want poor people will have a comfortable life, especially as spring approaches”. It is known that province-based Chinese community has just donated VND30mln to the 2013 program “Tet for the poor and Agent Orange victims”.

Taking care of Agent Orange victims

Provincial Red Cross Society and its affiliates have regularly paid attention to taking care of Agent Orange victims.

In 2012, they have mobilized organizations and individuals to present more than 2,300 gifts to disabled people and Agent Orange victims; award 18 scholarships to the offspring of Agent Orange victims; provide regular allowances for 1,476 cases with the average level of VND200,000 per case per month.

Provincial Red Cross Society and its affiliates have also provided loans without interest rate for people with extremely difficult circumstance, helping them develop their home based business and stabilize their lives. Nearly VND2bln has been mobilized by provincial Red Cross Society and its affiliates to offer help to Agent Orange victims.

Houses of compassion presented to the poor

One of practical measures to help the poor rise up is to give them a stable accommodation. Hence, provincial Red Cross Society and its affiliates have over time promoted the movement of “building and upgrading houses of compassion for poor and disable people”.

The above significant movement has also received enthusiastic response from organizations and individuals. In 2012 alone, the whole society has built 44 houses of compassion worth nearly VND1.6bln and upgraded 13 others with a total expense of VND95mln.

“One piece of food while hungry equals a big box of food while full”. Therefore, poor people always need the attention and help from the society, especially on the days near Tet, warming the cockles of their heart.

Reported by Thu Thao-Translated by K.T