2017 Charity Events

In July 2017, the Foundation sponsored a number of charities accomplished during the Vietnam trip by board members, Khang Nguyen and Ann Dong, and other volunteers. Here's a quick report of the major activities.

Cataract surgery for 51 people in Saigon, Vietnam. With the help of a local philanthropist, Mr. Thanh Nguyen, we were able to organize and fund cataract surgeries for 51 patients from Ninh-hoa, Đinh-quan, Long-thanh, and Saigon. Ninh-hoa is the farthest town away, whose patients took a 10-hour overnight van ride to arrive at the hospital prior to 7 am check-in time. The Foundation paid a lump sum to the doctor for his and his staff's time, supplies, post surgery medicines, and hospital rental fee. The Foundation also covered breakfast and lunch for all the patients, their accompanying family members, and volunteers. The Foundation offered cash assistance to most patients, and the amount varied depending on each personal circumstance. The patients were responsible for the transportation cost, but mostly it was picked up by various local charity groups. Of course the event would not have been possible without a myriad of local volunteers (Mr. Thanh and his friends and his own family members, and the young, enthusiastic members of Hội Từ thiện Từ tâm (Compassion Charity Foundation)).

Cash assistance at the Cancer & Tumor Hospital in Saigon, Vietnam. This is the primary cancer treatment hospital in southern Vietnam. As such it is over-crowded with patients and family members. Each room is often filled with 5 or 6 patients and family members lying on the floor. Hallways, patios, common areas are also occupied by family members as many of them come from rural places, are poor, and cannot afford to stay in a motel for months while caring for the patient. They rely on a charity nearby for daily meals. We coordinated with the charity to offer cash to some of the poorest patients.

Delivery of food and cash assistance for poor family in Dai-Quang Village, Quang-Nam Province, Vietnam. We teamed up with a local Buddhist temple, Song-Binh, to deliver 1250 gift portions.

• Delivered 500 portions to blind or handicapped people. The portion included a 10 kg bag, a box of instant noodle, and VND 100,000
• Delivered 300 portions to elderly people with no family. Each portion included a box of instant noodle, bread, rice cake, and milk.
• Delivered 250 gift portions to Tam-Ky Orphanage, which houses orphans and children affected by Orange Agent. Each portion included cookies, candies, milk, notebooks, pens, and pencils. We also offered 2 bicycles to the top two students.
• Delivered 200 portions to Quang-Nam Mental Institute. Each portion included cake, cookies, candies, and milk. All patients were also treated to a special lunch of seafood noodles.