A Lifelong Commitment to Helping Others

Connecting Generous Hearts

Nearly 80 years old, Thu continues to maintain the work routine she has followed for years. One day, she joins members in preparing meals for patients; another, she visits people facing hardship at hospitals; at other times, she seeks resources to support people in urgent need. One task follows another, becoming an integral part of the life of a woman who has devoted more than four decades to social work.

Born in 1948, Nguyen Thi Thu began her social work while she was still a teacher. She later took part in various local activities, from education promotion and women’s affairs to Fatherland Front work. In 2012, she helped establish the Ai Tam Da Lat Chapter.

From a few dozen founding members, the chapter now has more than 250 members. According to Thu, its strength comes from the dedication of its members. Some contribute funding, others contribute time and effort, transportation or professional expertise. Many members are retired but continue to accompany the chapter regularly. As a result, its community support activities have remained stable and practical.

For Thu, mobilizing resources is only the first step. More important is maintaining the trust of donors and ensuring that support reaches the right people at the right place and time. For each case, she carefully learns about the circumstances and actual needs before deciding on the most appropriate form of assistance.

From porridge and meals for patients, gifts for elderly people and children in special circumstances, to scholarships, charity homes, support for disadvantaged households and disaster relief, the Ai Tam Da Lat Chapter has maintained a steady stream of practical community activities.

For people facing sudden hardship, Thu and other members quickly connect available resources, often visiting the affected families themselves to understand their circumstances and deliver assistance directly.

“As Long as I Have the Strength, I Will Keep Going”

In just the past four years, Thu has directly mobilized more than VND 2 billion for charitable activities. The resources have been used to support poor patients, provide scholarships, build charity homes, assist disaster victims, and care for elderly people, children and those facing particularly difficult circumstances.

The chapter’s meal programs alone have served more than 43,200 people.

“Charity work must come from the heart, but to sustain it over the long term, we must also take responsibility and maintain our credibility,” Thu said.

According to Nguyen Van Luc, Chairman of the provincial Association for Supporting Poor Patients and People with Disabilities and Protecting Children’s Rights, despite her age, Thu remains enthusiastic, responsible and exemplary in social work.

“Ms. Thu is always at the forefront of charitable activities and has a strong sense of responsibility. The Ai Tam Da Lat Chapter is one of the chapters that has made significant contributions to the activities of the provincial association,” Luc said.

For her sustained contributions, Thu has received numerous certificates of merit and commendations from associations and local authorities at various levels. Yet for her, the most meaningful reward is still seeing a patient gain another chance to receive treatment, a child continue going to school, or a family overcome a difficult period.

“As long as I have the strength, I will keep going.” This simple belief has kept Thu committed to charitable work for many years.

And through that perseverance, connections continue to grow, resources continue to reach those in need, and acts of kindness move closer to the people who need them most.