Hundreds of poor patients, caregivers and disadvantaged workers have been shared and received practical support from simple, warm meals, regularly donated by the "Living Compassionately" group - including medical staff and employees of Vinh Long province - twice a month at Vinh Long General Hospital.
After more than 6 months of taking care of her elderly father at Vinh Long General Hospital, Ms. Tong Thi Kim Loan (Vinh Long City) shared that there is currently no stable job, all treatment and living expenses must be spoken out every penny. Every day, 2 meals also cost about 50,000 VND. Free meals help her save some money to buy diapers and milk for her father.
"People say that for 1 dong, for 1 tael. In a life where young people still care about and share with disadvantaged people, it is a very valuable act," Ms. Loan added.
In the same difficult situation, Ms. Luong Thi Nhan (Vinh Long City) who has been a factory worker at the hospital for many years said that each portion of volunteer rice is simple but extremely valuable. It is truly a great comfort for those who work hard, adding determination and helping to reduce the burden of daily living expenses.
Although it is just simple things like cooking and giving rice, each of these actions contains profound meaning, spreading love in the community, Ms. Nhan added.
Sharing with Lao Dong, Ms. Nguyen Thu Trang, a member of the "Living kindly" volunteer group, expressed her happiness: "Witnessing those who receive a warm meal have more joy and determination is the greatest source of encouragement for us".
According to Ms. Trang, during the weeks when the group is temporarily off to distribute meals, she spends time with her family. But when it comes to the activities, she always puts all her effort into this charity work. Whether sometimes busy or tired, just thinking about the meals given to the poor, she has a great source of motivation.
Mr. Pham Quoc Dung - Head of the "Living kindly" volunteer group - said that since September 2023, the group has maintained the cooking of warm meals for people and patients being treated at Vinh Long General Hospital regularly twice a month.
"In the future, the group will continue to maintain regular free cooking and meal distribution, while strengthening connections with the community to increase nutritional value for meals," Mr. Dung shared.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Truyen - Director of Vinh Long General Hospital - said that the "Living in kind" group actively supports General Hospital, distributing free meals monthly to patients in difficulty. The group also coordinated with the hospital to carry out social security activities such as visiting, giving gifts, and supporting hospital fees (10 million VND in the first 3 months of 2025).
"Vinh Long General Hospital acknowledges and appreciates the companionship of the "Living well" group, and at the same time hopes to continue to receive support and coordination in the coming time to better care for patients and the community," Mr. Truyen added.
