Miss Vietnam becomes AO/dioxin victim charity ambassador
(VOV) - The Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange (AO)/Dioxin (VAVA) has chosen 2012’s Miss Vietnam Dang Thu Thao as the first charity ambassador of its programme “Easing AO/Dioxin Pain Together”.
Thao is representing the programme in the media from August 1 to September 30, helping to promote VAVA activities in the wider community.
Thao is the figurative link between donors and millions of Vietnamese AO/dioxin victims.
She plans to urge participation in an SMS campaign organised through the national humanitarian portal 1400.
VAVA Chairman Nguyen Van Rinh outlined the association’s charity ambassador strategy from 2013 onwards. Candidates must possess positive public images, invite admiration, and demonstrate respect for Vietnamese culture and customs.
The ambassador needs to connect the more than 3 million AO/dioxin victims with donors, agencies, and domestic and foreign organisations, said Rinh.
Dang Thu Thao was born in Bac Lieu province in 1991 and is currently studying at Tay Do University. After being crowned Miss Vietnam in 2012, she donated nearly 40% of her cash prize to charities in Bac Lieu province, Danang city and Can Tho city.
She gave 2 tonnes of rice to Hong Dan district’s General Hospital in Bac Lieu province, presented gifts to cancer children in Hanoi’s K Hospital, and assisted victims of the September 2012 flooding in Thanh Hoa province.
Thao is also a regular contributor to communal charity activities helping disadvantaged children. She served as road safety ambassador in 2012, Understanding Heart Foundation ambassador from 2012–2013, “Swallow” community award ambassador, and an Operation Smile volunteer.