HCM CITY — Border guards stationed in Ca Mau and Gia Lai provinces have received gifts of food and medical assistance for Tet under a programme undertaken by several HCM City organisations.
Mua Xuan Bien Gioi (Spring Comes Early on the Border) offered gifts worth VND400 million (US$19,000) to thousands of soldiers as well as poor people living in remote communes like Ia Pnon, Ia Nan, and Pleiku.
Medical volunteers provided soldiers and villagers with health checks, treatment, and drugs.
Nguyen Minh Tong, head of Border Station 723 in Ia Pon, said his men and officers are from various parts of the country and will not be able to return home for the Lunar New Year.
"We appreciate the support and love offered by organisations and individuals around the country, who bring our soldiers a taste of Tet," he said.
"Your love makes us warm and happy."
There was a show in which performers from traditional art troupes danced and sang folk songs in praise of the country, people, and soldiers.
Elsewhere, members of the HCM City Women's Association visited and gave away books, magazines, blankets, and traditional jams and candy to women and children living in remote areas of Dong Thap, An Giang, and Long An provinces.
They also sent gifts and money to poor families in Phu Yen and Binh Dinh provinces who suffered during the recent floods.
This week more than 200 HCM City university students travelled to rural districts like Nha Be and Can Gio and neighbouring provinces under a volunteering programme organised by the City's Youth Association.
Sinh Vien Don Tet Xa Nha (Migrant Students Welcome Tet 2011) encourages young people in the City to call on and help students living in poor and remote areas and heroic mothers celebrate Tet.
"We wanted to share and celebrate Tet with our friends from other provinces who have to welcome the New Year without their families," Tran Duy Phuoc, a third-year student at the Law University, said.
"We can bring them a happier spring." — VNS