Warm hearts bring hope for patients in need during Tet holiday
VOV.VN - Can Tho Maternity Hospital in the Mekong Delta recently organized the Spring Fair 2025 to contribute to a fund in support of underprivileged patients before the Lunar New Year 2025 festival (Tet).
The programme Spring Fair is organized annually by the hospital to raise funds to spread kindness and ensure a joyful Tet for those less fortunate.
This year, the fair featured 25 spring-themed displays, reflecting the efforts of over 600 staff and workers at the hospital. Each booth was decorated in line with the hospital’s specialties, interspersed with traditional Tet decorations. The arrangement created a vibrant and colorful flower street, bringing a festive atmosphere to patients, their families, and visitors, leaving a lasting impression.
“The Tet booths here are beautifully decorated, and fitting for the Western Mekong Delta region. As an expectant mother with a due date close to Tet, I find this space refreshing and comforting,” said Nguyen Hoang Nha Truc, a resident of Kien Giang province currently awaiting childbirth.
Le Nguyen Hong Anh, a visitor to the Tet booths, said she wanted to lend a helping hand to unfortunate patients and other needy people.
“I came here for a check-up and was fortunate to experience the hospital’s Spring Fair. The atmosphere is lively. What special is that the sales support the fund for disadvantaged patients, which is a truly meaningful effort,” shared the visitor.
The bustling atmosphere of the Spring Fair 2025 attracted many visitors to take photos and enjoy the festive scenery. Dozens of regional specialty products were also available for Tet shoppers. Most importantly, all proceeds from the three-day fair would go directly into the hospital’s fund for disadvantaged patients. In addition, the flower street’s decorations remain open throughout the Tet holiday, ensuring warmth and cheer for those who are required to stay at the hospital during this special time.
“This is a noble gesture that staff and workers have maintained as a beautiful tradition, embodying the spirit of mutual support,” said Le Thi Phuong Quynh from Outpatient Department.
“I personally hope every year there will be more meaningful activities, more booths, and greater participation to raise more funds for disadvantaged patients,” added the staff.
Similarly, to support those in need, a group of trade union members gathered at Tan An Communal House on January 15 to prepare a year-end meal for over 60 patients at the Tran Binh Trong Oncology Hospital in Can Tho.
“This is the first time I have participated in such a meaningful programme, aiming to spread kindness to those who are battling serious illnesses,” said a volunteer. “With everyone contributing a little, we can expand this activity to support more patients.”
The volunteers prepared six banquet-style meals for these special guests. Beyond the food, these meals were filled with love and warmth, a collective effort by benefactors for cancer patients, giving them the strength to fight their illness and celebrate future Lunar New Years with their families.
“I’m so grateful to enjoy this meal with everyone at the hospital,” said Nguyen Thi Thuy, a patient from Vinh Long province.
“The dishes feel like home-cooked meals. This meal gives my family the motivation to continue treatment here. I hope to recover soon and reunite with my family,” shared Pham Van Kha, a patient from Hau Giang province.
According to Phuong Tan Dat, director of the Can Tho Student Support Center, the year-end meal has long been a cherished custom in Vietnamese culture, though it is not an obligatory part of the Tet tradition. Beyond family reunions, the meal symbolizes bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one. For patients undergoing cancer treatment, this meal holds even more significance.
“This is the third year the Can Tho Student Support Center has collaborated with other organizations to host this programme. Our goal is to inspire students, especially the younger generation, to join hands with us to bring a joyous Tet to patients at Can Tho Oncology Hospital. We hope to uplift their spirits and help them overcome upcoming challenges,” stressed Dat.
The year-end meal, the Spring Fair and other meaningful activities in Can Tho before the Lunar New Year have brought warmth and hope to many underprivileged individuals. May these heartfelt gestures inspire even more generosity and help those in need experience a joyous Tet celebration.