In 2019, on the way home from the unit, non-commissioned Senior Captain Truong Van Tai from the Hue city Military Command witnessed many laborers with difficult conditions eating along the sidewalks. Some mothers and children even shared a single meal portion between them. With the compassionate heart, Cap. Tai wanted to do something to help them have a better lunch. He decided to organize a charity point to provide meals for the poor at VND 2,000 per portion. He thought that offering free meals might cause hesitation or suspicion among people; therefore, selling a portion valued at VND 2,000 would be more acceptable.
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Non-commissioned Sr. Cap. Truong Van Tai (far left) handing over meal portions to poor laborers |
Sharing the idea with his comrades in the unit, he received enthusiastic support from everyone. After more than a week of preparation, with the contributions of Youth Union members in the unit, friends, and family members, the charity point offering meals at VND 2,000 for patients and the poor officially began operating every Sunday at noon on Dinh Tien Hoang street, Thuan Loc ward, Hue city.
Since then, every Sunday has become a busy but meaningful day for Cap. Tai and other young people. Some cook, some pack, and others distribute; everyone did it with all their heart.
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Members of “VND 2,000 meal” charity club distribute meals to the poor. |
Cap. Tai shared that from an initial group of nearly 10 members, he and his comrades, along with close friends, have now established the "VND 2,000 meal" charity club with more than 40 members, who are mainly officers, soldiers, and Youth Union members working in agencies and units under the Hue city Military Command, as well as some friends and relatives. Over the past five years, the club has averaged sales of 110 meal portions each Sunday, often selling out within just 15 minutes. The buyers are primarily poor laborers, lottery ticket sellers, street vendors, cyclo drivers, and needy patients receiving treatment at Military Hospital 268, etc.
The good deed of Sr. Cap. Truong Van Tai has inspired the charitable spirit of those around him. Many benefactors have contacted him, wishing to quietly contribute funds to sustain the meal service more regularly. In the time to come, he and the club members plan to expand the model by organizing additional charitable activities, such as distributing porridge to patients, granting scholarships to disadvantaged students, and offering gifts to homeless people.
Translated by Quynh Oanh