Can good intentions bring peace of mind?

Recently, controversies surrounding charity donation statements have erupted on social media, sparking heated debates about the transparency of charitable activities. These scandals not only raise public skepticism but also question whether charity retains its inherent humanitarian value or has become a tool for personal gain. Following a series of scandals, will the trust of donors be shaken, and more importantly, will those truly in need of assistance be forgotten amidst the storm of public skepticism?

Youth union members, young people, and staff of the Thai Nguyen City Health Center distributed free porridge to patients.

Charity should be given to the right people, for the right purpose, and in accordance with the law.

For nearly two years, Ms. Trieu Kim Hue, Secretary of the Youth Union of Lam Vy commune (Dinh Hoa district), has spent countless sleepless nights by the bedside of their son, Ma Thinh Nguyen Khoi, at the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion. In the arms of his parents, two-year-old Ma Thinh Nguyen Khoi silently battles thalassemia, a serious and life-threatening disease requiring long-term and expensive treatment.

A glimmer of hope emerged when test results from a Thai hospital at the end of December 2024 confirmed that Nguyen Khoi was eligible for a stem cell transplant – a precious opportunity that could cure him. However, the estimated cost of the surgery was 3.5 billion VND, a sum far too large for Ms. Hue's farming family. Despite planning to sell all their assets and borrow from everywhere, the amount they managed to gather was still less than half of the required cost.

Ms. Dao Thi Thanh Tuyen, Secretary of the Dinh Hoa District Youth Union, shared: "There are only a little over 20 days left until the scheduled surgery. The remaining amount, over one billion VND, is the lifeline for little Khoi. Immediately after learning about the situation, we coordinated with the local authorities, verified the information, and quickly shared it through social media channels. Thanks to this, many kind-hearted people learned about Khoi's plight and joined hands to support him. The good news is that he is now eligible to continue treatment."

 

As an active and dedicated youth union official, Ms. Hue never thought she would have to ask for help. She said: "I know my family is struggling, but there are many people out there who are suffering even more. If it weren't for my child's life, I wouldn't dare ask for help. Thanks to the community's support, I have renewed hope that my child will have the opportunity to live like other children."

Transparency - the key to maintaining trust.

It's not just Ms. Hue's child; over the past period, many people in Thai Nguyen province have faced difficult circumstances and serious illnesses, receiving help from generous donors. Every day, central and provincial hospitals receive dozens, even hundreds, of patients in particularly difficult situations. These could be young children battling cancer, poor laborers suffering from serious illnesses unable to afford hospital fees, or elderly people living alone needing a glimmer of hope to continue treatment. It is here that each charitable meal, each financial assistance for hospital fees, and each sincere word of encouragement from the community has become a great source of motivation, helping patients to overcome adversity.

In supporting patients with serious illnesses, it's not just about sharing, but about sharing in the right way and in the right place. One of the most practical and safe support channels currently available is the Social Work Department system in hospitals throughout the province. This not only receives contributions from the community but also acts as a "bridge of compassion," connecting the generosity of benefactors with those battling illness every day.

The Social Work Department of Thai Nguyen Central Hospital organized a gift distribution for patients in difficult circumstances.

Speaking with reporters, Mr. Dao Duy Kien, Head of the Social Work Department at Thai Nguyen Central Hospital, said: "Besides receiving financial contributions, the Social Work Department also plays a supervisory role, assisting with necessary procedures to ensure transparency and proper use of the donations. Connecting through the hospital helps to limit fraud and exploitation of people's kindness."

At the same time, this is also a way to build trust, helping philanthropists feel secure in their long-term partnership. The Social Work Department currently operates a clear process for receiving and verifying information. When there is a case requiring assistance, the information will be publicly available on many official channels of the hospital. This widespread and timely sharing not only helps the community access information quickly but also effectively and sustainably spreads the spirit of mutual support and compassion. - Mr. Dao Duy Kien

Kindness and legal boundaries

Currently, the law does not require recipients of support to provide detailed information on how the donated funds are used; it only requires the person soliciting the support to do so. Accordingly, regarding fundraising for patients with serious illnesses, Clause 2, Article 23 of Decree 93/2021 stipulates that individuals receiving voluntary contributions must use them to directly support patients with serious illnesses. Individuals must compile complete information on the results of receiving and using voluntary contributions to support patients with serious illnesses and make this information public through various media channels.

Lawyer Pham Trung Kien, Director of PK Vietnam Law Firm, stated: Regarding individuals soliciting charitable donations: Based on point h, clause 1, Article 2 and Article 17 of Decree 93/2021/ND/CP, individuals with full civil capacity are permitted to participate in mobilizing, receiving, and distributing voluntary contributions to overcome difficulties caused by natural disasters, epidemics, and incidents; and to support patients with serious illnesses.

Furthermore, it should be noted that individuals soliciting charitable donations must have full legal capacity, and when soliciting donations, they must announce it through the media and the People's Committee of the commune where they reside. They must also open a separate bank account for each donation, provide full statements and receipts, and are not allowed to accept further donations after the committed donation period has ended. - Lawyer Pham Trung Kien

 

In reality, charitable contributions, whether in cash, goods, or relief resources, always carry inherent risks if not closely monitored and used for their intended purpose. The issue is not only the effectiveness of the support, but also the transparency and legal responsibility of the recipients. Without independent control and monitoring mechanisms, funds raised by individuals or organizations are easily subject to suspicion and even misinterpretation of motives if they lack transparency. Misuse or lack of transparency, whether accidental or intentional, can lead to serious legal consequences. Minor offenses may result in administrative penalties; more serious offenses, depending on the severity of the violation, may lead to criminal prosecution.

Nguyen Huong Quynh, a student at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Thai Nguyen University): Charity is inherently an act stemming from kindness and the spirit of mutual support among Vietnamese people. However, when there are manifestations of lack of transparency, or even personal gain, it not only damages the reputation of those doing charity work but also causes the public to gradually lose faith in the values ​​of kindness.

Charity is a humane act, demonstrating compassion and sharing. However, to avoid negative consequences, individuals and organizations involved in charitable activities must fully comply with legal regulations and ensure transparency in the donation process. This not only helps maintain community trust but also contributes to improving the effectiveness of charitable activities. "Compassion must be guided by wisdom" - kindness is not just about feeling empathy for the suffering of others, but also needs to be guided by discernment and understanding.

Ms. Vu Bich Thuy, from Phan Dinh Phung ward (Thai Nguyen City), distributes charitable meals to patients at the Oncology Center, Thai Nguyen Central Hospital.

In charitable work, compassion alone is not enough; without vigilance and transparency, actions stemming from goodwill can easily be exploited, even leading to unintended consequences. Only when kindness is properly channeled, verified, and guided by responsibility can trust in charitable work be preserved and widely disseminated. This trust is not only the foundation for every act of sharing, but also the glue that binds the community together, creating lasting human values ​​in modern society.

According to Article 10 of Decree 130/2021/ND-CP, the act of using charitable funds for improper purposes or for the wrong beneficiaries may be subject to administrative penalties ranging from 5 to 10 million VND. If the solicitation of charitable donations and the misuse of funds show signs of fraud or misappropriation of property, the individuals or organizations committing this act may be prosecuted under Article 174 of the 2015 Penal Code on the crime of fraud and misappropriation of property or Article 175 of the 2015 Penal Code on the crime of abuse of trust and misappropriation of property.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202504/hao-tam-lieu-co-yen-tam-5bb01ac/