“Share life and smile”

Members of the group “Sharing life and smiles” give hot porridge to poor patients.

In the hot summer sun, despite the sweat pouring down their faces, smiles still appeared on the lips of the members of the group “Sharing life and smiles” as they delivered hot porridge to poor patients at the Provincial General Hospital. In the busy and urgent working atmosphere, in just under an hour, hundreds of porridges were delivered to the patients. Taking a short break, Mr. Vu Ngoc Lam, head of the group "Sharing life and smiles", said: "With the desire to give love and share smiles to people in difficult circumstances, poor patients being treated at hospitals in the province and those being cared for and nurtured at the No. 2 Protection Center, we gathered together kind-hearted people to establish the group "Sharing life and smiles" in 2018. Initially, the group only attracted nearly 30 members, mainly students from universities, colleges and some people in the province. The group operates on a completely voluntary basis, with all expenses contributed by the members themselves."

To cook hundreds of servings of porridge, every Wednesday, the group members must gather at the cooking location from 3 to 4 am. Each person has a job: some wash rice, some pick herbs, prepare food, some cook... to have hot porridge, delivered to people in difficult circumstances, poor patients. After a period of operation, the meaningful and humane work of the group has created a great influence, the number of members registered in the group has also increased to 100 people now. As more members join, the funds raised also increase, so on average every Wednesday the group cooks about 900 - 1,000 servings of porridge, and every Saturday the group's volunteers also go to deliver bread and milk to poor patients being treated at hospitals in the province and those being cared for at the No. 2 Support Center. From there, they contribute to sharing part of the financial burden for those who are struggling with illness.

Joining the group "Sharing life and smiles" since its inception, Mr. Nguyen Huu Thang (Hac Thanh ward) said: "With the desire to contribute a small part of my effort to cooking porridge, or sharing free bread and milk boxes for poor patients, I registered to join the group "Sharing life and smiles". To cook hundreds of porridge portions to deliver to poor patients, every Wednesday we have to gather at the cooking location very early to prepare ingredients as well as to cook in time to deliver to the patients. During the cooking process, food safety and hygiene is always a top priority. In addition, because the target audience is sick patients, cooking porridge that is both delicious and nutritious is also important. The ingredients for cooking porridge are carefully selected, including: rice, green beans, lean meat, stewed bones... Although the porridge portions are small, they contain the dedication and affection of the group members, thereby adding strength and confidence. "Information for poor patients to overcome difficulties, contributing to building a united and compassionate community."

The meaningful, practical and humane actions of the members of the group "Sharing life and smiles" have warmed and strengthened poor patients. As someone who is used to being in the hospital, Ms. NTM (Yen Ninh commune) could not help but be moved: "My family is short of people, so I go to the hospital almost alone. Moreover, my family's life is quite difficult, having to save every penny to pay for hospital fees and medicine, so the free porridge has partly helped me save money to cover the expenses during the days I go to the hospital. Therefore, not only me but also many poor patients who are fighting against illness every day appreciate the kindness of the group members. Hopefully, the group will continue to attract more members to act as a "bridge" to bring love to the community, and carry out more meaningful actions."

Hot porridge, bread, and milk boxes from the group “Sharing life and smiles” have been spreading love in the community. Especially for patients in difficult circumstances, having more free porridge helps reduce some of the burden of living expenses, especially during long-term treatment in the hospital. Hopefully, the group will attract more members to continue to have more porridge to give to poor patients.

Article and photos: Nguyen Dat

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/chia-se-cuoc-song-va-nu-cuoi-256970.htm