Spring of Gratitude - Warmth of Human Kindness

In keeping with the tradition of "remembering the source of the water you drink" and "loving others as you love yourself," over the years, Lao Cai province has always paid special attention to victims of Agent Orange, those who are suffering the severe consequences of the war. Through the "Tet of Compassion" program, many practical activities have been implemented, bringing the spirit of spring and love to Agent Orange victims.

Implementing the "Tet of Compassion" program launched by the Vietnam Red Cross Society , starting in November 2025, the Provincial Red Cross Society developed a plan to provide Tet (Lunar New Year) support for the poor, vulnerable, and those in difficult circumstances, including victims of Agent Orange. Specifically in Gia Phu commune, the Society mobilized resources and allocated funds from the province's Agent Orange Victims Fund to distribute 142 Tet gifts to victims affected by dioxin, helping them celebrate the traditional Tet holiday in a warmer and more fulfilling atmosphere.

In the small, simple house of veteran Tran Duc Long's family in Tien Loi village, Gia Phu commune, the atmosphere became warmer when the delegation from the Provincial Red Cross Society came to visit, encourage, and present meaningful gifts. Mr. Long bears the heavy consequences of war, having been exposed to chemical toxins with a disability rate of 41-60%.

Having enlisted in September 1965, Mr. Long spent over five years serving in the army at unit E56-F73, holding the rank of Captain. During the fierce years of war, he served as a driver, participating in intense battles such as those in Quang Tri and Tay Ninh.

Leaders of the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department and a delegation from the Provincial Red Cross Society visited and presented Tet gifts to the family of Mr. Tran Duc Long.

Currently, Mr. Long is paralyzed and bedridden due to a stroke, completely dependent on his wife, Mrs. Le Thi Linh, who is 81 years old, for all his personal needs. Receiving the kind attention, visits, and thoughtful Tet gifts, Mrs. Le Thi Linh couldn't hide her emotion. With tears welling up in her eyes and a choked voice, she shared: "I am so happy and grateful for the care, visits, and gifts from all levels of government and organizations during Tet!"

Continuing their journey to care for victims of Agent Orange, the delegation also visited Mr. Nguyen Xuan Doan, born in 1949, currently residing in Tien Loi village, Gia Phu commune. He enlisted in November 1973, served in Brigade 299, and was active in the Central Highlands battlefield from November 1974 to April 1975. He has seven children, his wife has passed away, and he currently lives with his youngest child. He is blind in both eyes, his health is weak, and he relies on his children and grandchildren for all daily activities.

Mr. Doan clasped the hands of the visiting officials, conveying his heartfelt emotions. He expressed: "Today, being visited by you all, receiving your encouragement and Tet gifts, I feel so warm-hearted! This concern is a great comfort to me and my family, giving us more confidence to have a warmer and more joyful Tet in 2026."

Presenting Tet gifts to the family of Mr. Nguyen Xuan Doan.

The heartfelt visits and gifts not only help alleviate material difficulties but also deeply express the gratitude, responsibility, and affection of all levels and sectors towards those who sacrificed and suffered greatly because of the war. They also instill confidence in the families of Agent Orange victims, helping them to be more resilient in life.

Sharing about the work of caring for vulnerable groups in the area, Mr. Le Cong Nguyen, Vice Chairman of the Fatherland Front Committee and Chairman of the Red Cross Society of Gia Phu commune, said: In preparation for the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, the Party Committee, government, Fatherland Front, and mass organizations of the commune have paid special attention to poor households, near-poor households, policy beneficiaries, especially victims of Agent Orange. Besides local resources, we actively mobilize and receive many meaningful gifts from organizations and individuals inside and outside the province to promptly deliver them to needy families. Everyone shares the same wish: To ensure that every family has a warmer and more fulfilling Tet holiday, and that no one is left behind during the spring reunion.

Currently, Lao Cai province has approximately 1,560 people affected by Agent Orange, including 1,160 who directly fought on the battlefield and 400 of their children who were affected by Agent Orange.

Ms. Vang Thi Mai Huong, Vice President of the Lao Cai Provincial Red Cross Society, said: "Caring for the poor, vulnerable, and victims of Agent Orange during Tet (Lunar New Year) is always considered a key task by the Provincial Red Cross Society every time Tet comes around. With the joint efforts of all levels, sectors, and philanthropists, the Tet gifts distributed not only help families alleviate immediate difficulties but also instill confidence and strength in them to overcome challenges in life. We hope to further spread this spirit of compassion so that more organizations and individuals will join hands in caring for and multiplying meaningful acts of gratitude towards victims of Agent Orange."

Ms. Nguyen Phuong Thuy, Head of the Compassionate Hearts Club, presents gifts to victims of Agent Orange.

"Drinking water, remember the source" - a beautiful moral principle of the nation - is being strongly spread throughout society with the joint efforts of many charitable organizations and individuals. The Compassionate Heart Club - a gathering place for many benevolent hearts - has also been actively participating in activities to express gratitude and care for victims of Agent Orange in the province. Sharing about the club's activities, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Thuy, the Club's Chairperson, said: In the period leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, the club has implemented many meaningful activities to express gratitude to Agent Orange victims and those who contributed to the revolution. Recently, the Club organized a program to present gifts of gratitude to 141 Agent Orange victims in Bao Thang commune, each gift worth nearly 1 million VND. In addition, the Club collaborates with the No. 2 General Hospital of Lao Cai province and the Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital to organize free medical examinations, health consultations, and medication distribution, including many valuable nutritional supplements, contributing to healthcare support.

Free medical examinations and medication distribution are offered as a token of gratitude to victims of Agent Orange.

As spring arrives in every home, these acts of kindness have contributed to kindling the warmth of love, so that Tet is not only a day of reunion, but also an opportunity for human compassion to spread, and for those who have contributed to the country to feel more clearly the gratitude and care of the whole society.

In an open letter from the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in Lao Cai province to agencies, organizations, businesses, and the people of Lao Cai province, it was written: "Over the years, with national solidarity and brotherly love, demonstrating the moral principles of 'drinking water, remembering the source,' 'loving others as oneself,' and 'helping those in need,' organizations, individuals, and philanthropists have actively supported families of Agent Orange victims. As the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 approaches, on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in Lao Cai province, the Standing Committee respectfully requests that agencies, departments, businesses, charitable organizations, individuals, and philanthropists, with their compassionate hearts, support Agent Orange/Dioxin victims so they can celebrate a joyful and warm Tet holiday."

All donations and assistance from generous benefactors should be transferred to: Account holder: Lao Cai Province Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin; Account number: 3751.0.1119155.00000; at the State Treasury Region IX - Transaction Office No. 5.

Contact phone numbers: Mr. Nguyen Van Thuan, Vice President of the Association: 0869.837.566; Ms. Hoang Thi Ngan, Accountant: 0353.968.199.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/xuan-tri-an-am-tinh-nguoi-post892378.html