Some 1,000 helpings of pork stew and banh tet (cylindrical glutinous rice cakes) were distributed Wednesday (February 10) to poor and homeless city residents by Sai Gon Giai Phong reporters and doctors with the Tam Viet Charity.
The meals were the highlight of the month-long “Nghia tinh mua xuan” (Sentimental attachment to spring) program launched by the newspaper.
As soon as the idea of making a meal for disadvantaged people was hit upon, the organizers received a donation of 1000 safe eggs from the Ba Huan Ltd. Company. The organizers also ordered more eggs and meat from the food company Vissan.
Dr. Ho Hoang Tuan of Tam Viet called for contributions from members of the Tam Viet Charity to buy fish sausages and 50 coconuts to make the stew.
He also roped in a chef from the Dam Sen park and his own patients from rural districts to cook the meat stew and special cake for the Tet holidays. Furthermore, he canvassed students to lend a hand to go around the city and hand out the gifts.
Six volunteer groups of 30 people each visited different areas in the city, including the vicinities of Xom Cui Market, the Tumor Hospital in district Binh Thanh, Thi Nghe Bridge, bus stations and the Binh Hung Hoa cemetery.
At the An Binh Hospital in District 5, An from the Mekong delta province of Vinh Long was moved on receiving the gift, which she said was timely because she had been taking care of her nephew for a month and had run out of money.
Another poor man said he was very happy to receive the Tet gift, saying he had been worried that as Tet nears, street eateries would close and he would not be able to get leftovers.
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