Without fanfare or ostentation, for many years, she has quietly dedicated her heart, effort, and even her family's economic resources to charitable work, contributing to spreading positive humanitarian values in the community. From 2014 to the present, the total amount of money that veteran Doan Thi Ngoc Lan has donated to charitable activities has reached over 2.22 billion VND.
Responsibility and compassion
As a veteran who trained in the military, Ms. Doan Thi Ngoc Lan always believed that when the country is at peace , soldiers returning to civilian life should not only take care of their families but also continue to contribute to society and the community through concrete and practical actions.
It was from this thought that, starting in 2014, Ms. Lan began her philanthropic journey. Initially, she gave small gifts to poor households and families receiving government assistance in the local area; later, she provided more regular and sustained support to many vulnerable groups in society such as elderly people living alone, orphaned children, and poor but studious students.
Not limited to her local area, Ms. Lan's charitable activities extend to many disadvantaged rural areas across the country, especially those heavily affected by natural disasters, storms, and floods. Wherever there is hardship, the footprints of this compassionate veteran can be found.
On the occasion of the National Unity Day, and in anticipation of the 34th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam Veterans Association (December 6, 1989 – December 6, 2023), on the morning of November 19, 2023, right in her hometown of Vong Xuyen commune, Phuc Tho district, Ms. Doan Thi Ngoc Lan continued to organize and participate in many meaningful charitable activities.
At the former headquarters of the Vong Xuyen Commune People's Committee, Ms. Lan collaborated with the Hanoi Medical Clinic to implement a program of free health check-ups and consultations, screening for liver cancer, stomach cancer, and other diseases for a large number of people. This activity helped people, especially the elderly and families in difficult circumstances, access quality medical services, and promptly detect and prevent diseases.
Not stopping there, on this occasion, Ms. Lan also directly donated: 10 million VND to the Veterans' Solidarity Fund of the former Vong Xuyen commune; 10 million VND to the Gratitude Fund of the commune; 15 million VND to the "Searching for Comrades" Fund of Lieu Giai ward, former Ba Dinh district; and 20 Tet gifts for the Year of the Dragon, totaling 10 million VND, for families in difficult circumstances.
The total value of the day's charitable activities amounted to 112 million VND – a figure that clearly demonstrates the dedication and sense of responsibility of the veterans towards the community.
A journey of enduring volunteerism.
It is no coincidence that Ms. Doan Thi Ngoc Lan is mentioned as a shining example in the philanthropic movement. For nearly a decade, her humanitarian activities have been maintained regularly and continuously, not as a fleeting trend or a temporary phenomenon.
From supporting the Fund for the Poor, the Fund for Gratitude and Remembrance, the Fund for Comradeship, to assisting families of wounded soldiers, martyrs, and those who have contributed to the revolution; from helping people in flood-stricken and disaster-stricken areas, to joining hands with local authorities in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic – in every field, the benevolent spirit of Doan Thi Ngoc Lan is evident.
In particular, she always showed deep concern for the younger generation, especially underprivileged students who overcame difficulties. She personally handed out many scholarships, school supplies, clothes, and books to these children, giving them the motivation to continue their education and nurture their dreams for the future.
Sharing her motivation for volunteering, Ms. Doan Thi Ngoc Lan said that her actions stem from a sense of responsibility and the natural affection of someone who was once a soldier. "While in the military, my comrades and I always supported, shared, and lived for each other. Now that I've returned to civilian life, I only hope to contribute a small part to help those less fortunate," Ms. Lan confided.
Through her concrete actions and charitable activities, she has received the support and participation of local people, veterans' association members, youth union members, and young people, contributing to spreading the spirit of sharing in the community.
Acknowledging these contributions, the leaders of Phuc Loc commune assessed that Ms. Doan Thi Ngoc Lan's charitable activities not only provided practical support to those in difficult circumstances but also contributed to strengthening the unity of the entire community in the locality.
Spreading good things
In her daily life, veteran Doan Thi Ngoc Lan doesn't talk much about herself, but lets her actions speak for themselves. For nearly a decade, with over 2.22 billion VND dedicated to charitable activities, she has contributed to supporting many disadvantaged people and fostering a spirit of sharing in the community.
Beyond providing temporary relief aid, war veteran Doan Thi Ngoc Lan is deeply concerned with the sustainable poverty alleviation efforts of the local people. She believes that helping the poor is not just about "giving them a fish," but more importantly, "giving them a fishing rod," creating long-term livelihoods so they can improve their lives. Based on this philosophy, she has quietly implemented many practical support models over the years.
In Phuc Loc commune and surrounding areas, Ms. Lan has directly supported dozens of poor and near-poor households through various means, such as: providing interest-free loans, donating livestock, plants, and agricultural production supplies; repairing and building houses for households with particularly difficult circumstances. Many families who once lived in dilapidated, leaky houses now have sturdy homes, allowing them to work and produce with peace of mind and stabilize their lives.
In particular, Ms. Lan has always shown deep concern for vulnerable groups such as families of war invalids and martyrs, elderly people living alone, single mothers, and children in difficult circumstances. For her, poverty alleviation is not just about providing material support, but also about sharing and encouraging those less fortunate, giving them more faith and strength to rise above their difficulties. Her visits and heartfelt handshakes have given strength to many, helping them overcome the most challenging periods of their lives.
In addition, she actively mobilized relatives, friends, and philanthropists to join hands in supporting the poor, forming a strong network of charitable activities and spreading the spirit of "mutual support" in the community. Many programs providing gifts, livelihood support, and scholarships for underprivileged students have been regularly organized, contributing to reducing the burden of living and educational expenses for disadvantaged families.
The results from the poverty alleviation activities initiated and supported by Ms. Lan have brought about significant changes for many households. Many families, after receiving assistance, have escaped poverty, gradually stabilized their economic situation, and even returned to help other disadvantaged families. This is the profound humanistic value and lasting impact that Ms. Doan Thi Ngoc Lan brings – a veteran in peacetime, continuing to contribute with a compassionate heart and a sense of responsibility to the community.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/lan-toa-tam-long-nhan-ai-727985.html
![[Photo] People in flood-affected areas of Dak Lak joyfully celebrate Tet in their new homes.](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/02/16/1771228795887_ndo_bl_img-2313-2861-jpg.webp)
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