Over recent years, many charitable organisations in Da Nang have become actively involved in numerous humanitarian activities to help poor and single elderly people and disadvantaged children across the city.

A total of 35 orphans now live at 2 charity houses under the management of the city’s Association of Charities and Children’s Rights Protection.  These disadvantaged children are being cared for and are given assistance to continue pursuing their dreams of studying.

Presenting a gift to a disadvantaged man

Between 2010 and 2014, the Association raised over 109 billion VND from domestic and foreign organisations and individuals to implement local charitable programmes.   About 70% of the money collected was from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including the UK’s Siloam Christian Ministries, the USA’s Giving it Back to Kids and the Samaritan’s Purse, which is a non-denominational evangelical Christian organisation.

Most notably,  the 'Humanity House' programme was implemented by the Association between 2011 and 2013 with a focus on appealing for donations from local organisations and individuals to build 27 houses, worth around 100 million VND each, for local poor people.  In addition, there were many projects offering care for local orphaned and poor children, and support for disadvantaged male students wanting to continue their studies at universities, colleges and vocational training schools.

Over recent years, the city’s SOS Children’s Village has been home to a total of 403 orphaned, abandoned, and very poor children from the city and other localities in the central region and highlands.  Of these, 166 have found suitable jobs, one is studying for a Doctorate degree, 2 now possess Masters degrees, 53 are studying at local universities and colleges, and 89 have gained intermediate qualifications.

A Sister (left) caring for a deaf and blind elderly woman in Phaolo Abbey

Meanwhile, 28 local single elderly people are now being cared for in Phaolo Abbey in Son Tra District.  Among them are those who lost limbs in wars, suffer from Parkinson’s disease and other health problems, or are bedridden.  Showing great compassion for these disadvantaged people, kind-hearted Sisters at the abbey always take the trouble to wholeheartedly care for them without any complaint.  In particular, they enthusiastically help to feed those who are unable to feed themselves, ensure their personal hygiene, and joyfully chat with them in their free time.  With their love of humanity, the Sisters are dedicated to bringing happiness to the elderly citizens for the rest of their lives.

Mrs Tran Thi Chinh from Hai Chau District is well loved by many local disadvantaged people because of her kind heart and helping hands.  Over recent years, she has actively appealed for donations from local organisations and individuals to help local poor people.  She often provides free portions of rice soup (chao) and rice for poor patients in hospitals in Da Nang and Quang Nam Province.  She also encourages the general public to donate clothes, blankets and other necessities to poor families in local mountainous areas.  Most notably, she donates 2 million VND to the city’s Association of Charities and Children’s Rights Protection each month to help local unfortunate people.