The "Savings Box" initiative helps people in need.

Ms. Tran Thi Ly's small house, located at the beginning of Truong Ky village, is always open to visitors. She cherishes her certificates and blood donation awards as mementos of her journey of sowing seeds of kindness.

Recalling how it all began, she said: “When I was the Chairwoman of the Red Cross Society in Vinh Tu commune (now Vinh Hoang commune), I frequently visited households and witnessed many families struggling when faced with illness or accidents. Many people had to borrow money from everywhere just to afford treatment. From that, I thought, why not call on the people to contribute a little to help each other?”

Her idea led to the creation of the "Savings Box" model – a humanitarian initiative with a strong community focus. Small boxes are placed in community learning centers in villages, where people voluntarily contribute. Every quarter, the boxes are opened publicly in the presence of the villagers, and all the money collected is given directly to households facing hardship or illness. Between 2020 and 2025, the model has raised 77 million VND, helping dozens of disadvantaged households.

Ms. Tran Thi Ly presents gifts to families in difficult circumstances.

Responding to the movement "Each organization, each individual is linked to a humanitarian cause," Ms. Ly personally surveyed, compiled dossiers, and connected philanthropists to sponsor the poor, orphans, people with disabilities, and victims of Agent Orange. Thanks to her dedication, over the past five years, she has mobilized 23 organizations and 21 individuals to provide regular support to 94 humanitarian causes, with support periods ranging from 1 to 18 years, contributing to spreading the spirit of "mutual support and compassion" in the community.

Following President Ho Chi Minh 's teachings to the Red Cross: "We must act out of deep love for the people, contributing to protecting their health and doing everything possible to alleviate their suffering. We must not have an arrogant or condescending attitude," for many years, Ms. Tran Thi Ly has consistently played a pivotal role in charitable work. From 2020 to the present, she has mobilized over 450 million VND, assisting 572 people in difficult circumstances, those who are sick, or who have suffered unexpected accidents; together with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the commune, she has organized the construction and repair of 8 "Great Solidarity" houses, and supported 51 poor households in purchasing seedlings and livestock to develop production, with a total cost of 230 million VND.

She always keeps in mind: "Those who work in humanitarian aid must act from the heart, love their work, and empathize with those in difficult circumstances." Every activity, every achievement, is proof of her unwavering dedication to helping the underprivileged.

Ms. Tran Thi Ly participated in blood donation.

50 voluntary blood donations - a journey of compassion.

Her first blood donation was in 2007, when Vinh Linh Hospital urgently needed blood for a surgery. “Hearing the news, I immediately set off. After donating, I felt healthy and unusually relieved. I simply thought: I’ve helped someone continue to live, and my life feels more meaningful,” she said softly.

Since then, blood donation has become an indispensable part of her life. Each year, she participates 3 to 4 times, regularly every three months. To date, she has donated blood and platelets 50 times, including 17 emergency platelet donations at Hue Central Hospital. She has also encouraged her husband and children to participate in voluntary blood donation.

Ms. Tran Thi Ly still vividly remembers the afternoon of September 26, 2016, when she received an urgent call from the hospital about a woman who had just given birth and was losing a lot of blood. She immediately turned her car around and rushed to the hospital to donate blood without hesitation. The surgery was successful, and the woman was out of danger. Nearly nine years later, during a business trip, she unexpectedly met the same woman and her young daughter. Ms. Ly was surprised and delighted to learn that the couple she had helped donate blood to had named their daughter after her. The little girl ran to hug her, calling out, "Aunt Ly!"

Upon learning that the child's name was Nguyen Thi Khanh Ly, named after her as a token of gratitude, Ms. Ly was overwhelmed with emotion and choked up, saying, "At that moment, I realized that giving can truly create miracles, it's a blessing in life, a bond that brings strangers closer together."

Ms. Tran Thi Ly (in white shirt) at the National Blood Donor Recognition Ceremony 2022.

In addition, she has traveled alone more than 70 kilometers from her home to Hue Central Hospital dozens of times to donate whole blood and platelets to patients in emergency situations and those being treated for blood diseases. For her, all the hardships were worthwhile because the result was that human lives were saved.

Besides donating blood, Ms. Ly and her husband have also registered to donate tissues and organs after their death. For her, deeply understanding the message: "A drop of blood given, a life saved" and "giving is forever," she actively participates in every blood donation drive. For her, voluntary blood donation is not just about giving blood from her body to the blood bank, but about her wholehearted dedication to charity, helping patients in difficult circumstances and contributing to saving lives. It's a simple yet noble ideal, a message she hopes to spread to everyone, driven by love and responsibility towards the community.

Ms. Tran Thi Ly (far right) at the first Quang Tri Provincial Emulation Congress for the period 2025-2030. Photo provided by the subject.

Spreading the values ​​of a beautiful life.

Having dedicated over 18 years to humanitarian work, Ms. Tran Thi Ly has become a familiar figure, trusted and loved by colleagues and the people for her dedication, humility, and high sense of responsibility. Commenting on her, Mr. Phan Ngoc Khoa, Chairman of the People's Committee of Vinh Hoang commune, affirmed: Ms. Tran Thi Ly is a dedicated official who always puts her heart and soul into her work. According to him, she is not only a shining example in the locality but also a pioneer in various movements, from voluntary blood donation to activities supporting disadvantaged families, contributing to spreading a beautiful and compassionate way of life in the community.

Thanks to her silent contributions, she was honored as one of the 100 outstanding blood donors nationwide in 2022. In 2024, she was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Prime Minister for being an exemplary figure in studying and following the ideology, ethics, and style of Ho Chi Minh. Most recently, she was further commended at the first Quang Tri Provincial Emulation Congress for the period 2025-2030, and is also one of the 10 outstanding representatives of the province to attend the 11th National Emulation Congress in December 2025.

For her, no grand reward can compare to the simple joy of contributing and sharing. In everyday life, the image of this petite woman with a gentle smile and hands always ready to help others has become a beautiful symbol of compassion. Ms. Tran Thi Ly is like a simple yet enduring flower, quietly spreading its fragrance to the world, contributing to making life better and more humane.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/cuoc-thi-nhung-tam-guong-binh-di-ma-cao-quy-lan-thu-17/bong-hoa-nhan-ai-toa-huong-doi-thuong-1041011