In their efforts to perform their responsibilities to love and care for local residents, especially those in need, Da Nang- based armed forces have organized many social activities to support people after the Covid-19 pandemic. Small acts with a big impact have contributed to strengthening civil-military relations.  So-called ‘zero-dong’ market which takes place every Sunday at the headquarters of Hai Chau District’s Thanh Binh Ward is one of the meaningful activities launched by the local militia.

The ‘zero-dong’ market brings great benefits to poor students and the needy. Photo: ANH DUC.

Once a week, such a so-called ‘zero-dong’ fair which opens to poor students and disadvantaged households allows them to choose and buy essential items on store shelves for zero dong. They visit this charity in order to not only receive their essentials for daily life for free, but also receive the love and care from the fair’s organisers.

The ‘zero-dong’ market is as crowded and bustling as cash payment ones. In particular, shoppers’ faces showed excitement, joy, happiness when receiving  essential items and gifts full of love from military personnel.

Every week, Thanh Binh Ward’s Military Command organizes such a so-called ‘zero-dong’ fair to support poor households, families of active-duty military personnel, militia forces, social policy beneficiaries and poor students. Visiting this charity market allows these people to choose and buy essential items on store shelves for zero dong. Included are such essential items as cooking oil, fish sauce, vegetables, rice, instant noodles, meat, and eggs The intention is to contribute to enriching their meals.

In order to maintain such a weekly market, the Ward’s Military Command calls on generous benefactors to donate financial support. Each market costs VND 30 million in an attempt to provide essential items for social policy beneficiaries, disadvantaged families, and students who live far away from home. The intention is to help disadvantaged families enjoy a nutritious meal, as well as assist these students pursue their dreams of a beautiful future.

Mr Ho Ngoc Thua, the Commander of Thanh Binh Ward’s Military Command said: “The ward’s Military Command is active in calling for cash donations to open such a weekly charity markets for the needy and poor students, bringing joy and happiness to them. We will hold this fair regularly in the future.”

Visiting the charity market, Ms. Phan Thi Lien, a resident of Thuan Phuoc Ward, shared: ‘The "Zero-dong market’ is very meaningful to poor people like us as it helps to bring a hearty and healthy meal to us, as well as encourage us overcome our difficulties in life and have a better life."

Student Pham Viet Anh Dien remarked: "I am really grateful for the practical and meaningful support from the militiamen of Thanh Binh Ward to provide free essentials for students who live far away from home, thereby motivating us to study hard."

Apart from the ‘Zero-dong market’ held in Hai Chau District’s Thanh Binh Ward, military personnel are also active in organizing other charity activities that bring benefits to the needy and those who need help. Included are free meals for poor patients who are under treatment in local hospitals, free medical checkups and treatment for social policy beneficiaries and disadvantaged households. In particular, the ‘Zero-dong market’ provides practical and effective support, as well as provide spiritual and material care for local poor and disadvantaged households. By doing small acts, officers and men of Da Nang’s armed forces have created a great image for them in the hearts of local people, thereby contributing to strengthening civil-military relations.

Reporting by ANH DUC – Translating by H.L