Tet gifts offered to impoverished people nationwide

The programme, launched by the Vietnam Journalists Association, aims to help disadvantaged locals enjoy the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival.

Representatives from local authorities and the municipal chapter of the Vietnam Red Cross presented the gifts to local disadvantaged people.

On the occasion, the Hai Phong NA deputies also presented eight gift packages worth VND1.2 million (US$52.8) to local social welfare beneficiaries and another 32 gifts, each worth VND500,000 (US$22) to needy households in Tien Lang, Vinh Bao, Duong Kinh, and Le Chan districts.

Vice Chairman of the city People’s Committee Nguyen Xuan Binh said the city has allocated VND110 billion (US$4.84 million) to help build houses for those who rendered services to the nation, and another over VND100 billion (US$4.4 million) to support the poor and social welfare beneficiaries.

The same day in the central province of Binh Dinh, FLC group and the provincial Fatherland Front Committee presented 100 female calves, worth VND1.6 billion (US$70,400) and 50 saving books, worth three million VND each for local impoverished people and veterans.

FLC Deputy Director General Tran Quang Huy expressed his hope that the aid will help improve living conditions for needy people in the province.

The group has invested in the Nhon Ly FLC Tourism Complex and a trade centre on An Duong Vuong street in Quy Nhon city, Huy said.

Later the same day, Hue University and the Vietnam Health, Education and Literature Projects (VNHELP) organised a ceremony, the 16th of its kind, to present Nguyen Truong To scholarships each worth US$200 for 150 outstanding and needy students of the university.

VNHELP was launched by overseas Vietnamese people in the US in 1991. The programme has provided financial support for students from Hue University as well as vocational training and health care for orphans and the disabled.

Meanwhile, the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang held a fundraising programme to help local disadvantaged children.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Truong Canh Tuyen said there are over 1,000 disadvantaged children, and over 22,000 others at risk of falling into difficulties, including over 18,000 children from impoverished households in Hau Giang.

The province has organised numerous programmes to provide financial aid and health care for the group.

During the event, 600 gift packages and scholarships, worth one million VND each were presented to local disadvantaged children and outstanding students.-