Cam Lo Volunteer Group

In mid-September, while the aftermath of Typhoon No. 3 was still severe, many areas in northern Vietnam, especially Yen Bai province, suffered immense damage to both lives and property. Amidst this urgent need for assistance, a volunteer group from Cam Lo district, Quang Tri province, collaborated with the HOPE FOR TOMORROW organization and other benefactors to organize a meaningful relief effort to help the local people overcome their difficulties.

The Cam Lo Quang Tri volunteer group, together with people affected by natural disasters in Yen Bai province.

Working together to provide relief after the storm.

On September 19-20, 2024, the Cam Lo volunteer group, led by Ms. Dao Doan, nun Hau Lien, and Mr. Truong Sinh, raised over 300 million VND in cash and more than 200 gift packages, each valued at 1 million VND. These gifts were delivered directly to flood victims in Van Yen district, one of the areas most severely affected by the typhoon. Van Yen district is located in the mountainous region of Yen Bai province, where the majority of the population belongs to the Dao ethnic group and relies on cinnamon cultivation for their livelihood. Typhoon No. 3 caused serious damage, uprooting numerous cinnamon trees – the main source of income for the people – plunging their lives into extreme hardship. Furthermore, damaged roads complicated transportation and relief efforts. Many residential areas remain isolated, severely disrupting the lives of the local people.

Volunteer group of Cam Lo district, Quang Tri province

Delivering relief supplies directly to the people.

Over two days of intensive work, the volunteer group, along with members of the Piekup 74 Club, overcame landslides and difficult roads to deliver heartfelt relief supplies to the people of Quang Minh and Tan Hop communes in Van Yen district, Yen Bai province. Here, more than 300 households received relief aid, including 300 million VND in cash and 300 packages of essential goods. Each package included essential items such as rice, instant noodles, cooking oil, fish sauce, and clothing. Furthermore, the volunteer group also donated 50 million VND to five families in particularly difficult circumstances in Yen Bai city. These families suffered serious damage to their homes after the storm, and this support will help them repair their houses, ensuring safe shelter from future weather changes. Many people in the area had to travel long distances, some even riding motorbikes more than 7 km, to gather at the People's Committee of the commune to receive relief gifts. Despite the difficult roads and unfavorable weather, the warmth from the gifts brought comfort to families facing hardship.

Volunteer groups from Cam Lo district, Quang Tri province, are going to villages affected by natural disasters to provide relief.

Kind hearts

This charitable trip would not have been possible without the contributions of generous donors and the HOPE FOR TOMORROW Association. This is the third time in 2024 that the association has organized relief activities in areas severely affected by natural disasters, and this time, they have partnered with the Cam Lo volunteer group to directly support people in Yen Bai. Ms. Dao Doan, the head of fundraising efforts, said: “We always want to bring a little light, a little hope to those in difficult circumstances, especially after devastating natural disasters. Each gift, however small, contains the feelings and sharing from many people.”

Along with Ms. Doan, nun Hau Lien and Mr. Truong Sinh also made significant contributions in connecting philanthropists and appealing for help from all over. Generous hearts from across the country joined hands and contributed to organizing a meaningful and timely relief program.

A volunteer group from Cam Lo district, Quang Tri province, distributed gifts to people in Yen Bai province.

Hope for the future

Although natural disasters are always undesirable, human kindness and mutual assistance have become bright spots during these difficult times. With the joint efforts of individuals and charitable organizations, such as the Cam Lo volunteer group, the HOPE FOR TOMORROW association, and other benefactors, the people in the mountainous areas of Yen Bai province have gained renewed strength to continue overcoming life's challenges. Typhoon No. 3 not only swept away many things but also left a lasting impression of solidarity and love within the community. In the coming time, organizations and individuals will continue to work together to support areas still suffering from natural disasters, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey of recovery and reconstruction.

Mr. Nhat Quang, a member of the Quang Tri Association of Literature and Arts Photography, who was invited to join the volunteer group, shared with the reporter: “The charitable trip of the Cam Lo group and the HOPE FOR TOMORROW Association is clear evidence of the spirit of ‘mutual support,’ a core value in Vietnamese culture. In the most difficult circumstances, human kindness shines even brighter, helping people connect and overcome adversity together. I believe that such charitable activities not only help people in times of need but also create faith, hope, and solidarity within the community. I deeply appreciate and am moved by the efforts and affection of those who have dedicated their time, effort, and love to those in difficult circumstances in the mountainous areas of Yen Bai province. I hope that this spirit will continue to spread and become a source of motivation for other individuals and organizations to join hands for the community.”