For more than half a month now, Da Nang's Women's Union (WU) chapters at all levels quickly implemented ‘Doing shopping for locals” model regardless of rain or shine to help people to buy supplemental foodstuff, other essential items and medicines. This is a model launched by the municipal Women's Union from the end of August 2021 to support people during days complying with heightened social distancing orders.

Ms Nguyen Thi Le Quyen (left), Head of the Women's Union of Hoa Phu 3 Residential Area, Hoa Minh Ward, Lien Chieu District, helps locals to buy food. Photo: L.P

On the daily basis, Ms Nguyen Thi Le Quyen, Head of the Women's Union of Hoa Phu 3 Residential Area, Hoa Minh Ward, Lien Chieu District, writes down orders from households received via Zalo message meticulously and then go shopping for them from next morning’s cracking dawn.

Since the model "Going to the market to help the people" went into operation until now, the Zalo group of Hoa Phu 3 residential area has never stopped receiving notifications from residents asking for help buying foodstuff such as rice, instant noodles, meat or medicine, milk, diapers, essential supplies, even long orders with dozens of items.

According to Le Thi Hang, the Head of the Lien Chieu District chapter of the municipal Women's Union, this highly –practical model has quickly received a positive response from all members of the Women's Union in 5 wards locally. In total, there are 335 WU’s officials and 376 women members registered so far.

Apart from going to the market to help to buy food for local people, they also actively support needy workers and students residing in rental accommodations to ensure enough food supplies for them as well as partly relieve pressure rested on local authorities in the days of social distancing.

Ms Le Hoang Yen (left), Head of the Women's Union of Thuan Phuoc Ward, Hai Chau district regularly shop for residents regardless of the rainy season. Photo: L.P

In a similar vein, the Women's Union at all levels of Hai Chau District established online groups on social networks such as Zalo, Facebook to connect, exchange, and survey locals' shopping needs.

With the experience of housewives, members of the WU know how to purchase fresh and high-quality foods from reputable sellers at reasonable prices.

Moreover, during days before typhoon No. 5 struck the mainland, the women's members still tried to go to the market despite severe rain to make sure that all households had enough food on rainy days.

As of September 18, the whole city had observed more than 5,555 officials and members register to join the ‘Doing shopping for locals’ model. As accumulated since August 27, the volunteer team has fulfilled 425,324 orders with a total of more than VND107 billion.

On the whole, ‘ Doing shopping for locals’ model has helped ensure food supplies for residents, especially for pregnant women and the elderly during the quarantine days; in tandem with helping to reduce the work pressure of the residential group’s executive boards. On the other hand, thanks to this activity, all levels of the WU have actively connected and supported the consumption of agricultural products and poultry eggs, helping farmers feel at ease when the harvest comes.

Reporting by LAM PHUONG- Translating by T.VY