The fundraising campaign was launched during the first expanded Pickleball London tournament, a lively community sports event enhancing hometown bonds and humanitarian spirit, attracting broad participation from the Vietnamese diaspora in London. Notably, Meritorious Artist  and comedian Quang Thang donated his entire prize from the men’s and women’s doubles first-place award to support storm-affected communities in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Association in the UK (VAUK) continues to lead efforts in mobilizing the Vietnamese community and businesses in the UK to support their homeland. The association and its members have previously organized numerous charitable initiatives, including aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, support for soldiers in Truong Sa, and provision of food, medical care, and education for residents in Vietnam’s mountainous, border, and island areas.

A highlight of the current campaign was the enthusiastic participation of community organizations, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs, including the Vietnamese Women and Children Association in the UK, which contributed cash and 2,000 meals, the Vietnamese Business Association in the UK (VBUK), and the Vietnamese Intellectuals Association in the UK and Ireland (VIS).

The list of contributors continues to grow, encompassing dozens of individuals, families, and Vietnamese-owned businesses in the UK, from Eastern Horizon Wealth Management, The Charm Brighton Boutique Hotel & Spa, K&P Global Ltd, Novanet Marketing, Galaxy Thien Ha, Viet Brite, to smaller donations from laborers. All contributions reflect a shared message: wherever they are and whatever they do, their hearts remain with their homeland.

At the donation ceremony, Le Thi My Le, VAUK President, emphasized “This initiative is not only material support but also a community bond, rekindling the nation’s cherished tradition of mutual aid. Associations, businesses, and the diaspora in the UK serve as a strong bridge between the two countries, helping strengthen connections with the homeland.”

VBUK President Hoang Viet Phuong, said emotionally, “Every contribution today carries more than material value -it is the heart of the Vietnamese community in the UK reaching home. This action reaffirms our tradition of solidarity and serves as a lasting link between the Vietnamese community and the country, helping storm-affected communities overcome difficulties and stabilize their lives.”

Vietnamese community representatives agreed to transfer all funds to Vietnam through the official Vietnam Fatherland Front channels, ensuring transparency and that aid reaches those affected. The fundraising campaign will continue, and the list of donors is still being updated.

Earlier, in the same spirit, in early October the Vietnamese Embassy and representative offices in the UK also launched a fundraising drive to support victims of typhoon Bualoi 10, providing aid and encouragement to help them recover and stabilize their lives.

Vietnamese community in UK provides relief aid for Yagi victims

Vietnamese organisations and associations in the UK have raised funds worth GBP61,367 (US$82,132) to support people who were affected by Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam’s northern provinces early this month.