(VOVWORLD) - Community services and youth volunteer campaigns offer humanitarian value and greatly contribute to the community. To mark International Volunteer Day, December 5, VOV honors the contributions of volunteers who have dedicated time and efforts to the community and society.
 A blood donation drive organized by University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Ho Chi Minh City Hospital (Photo: Hong Giang/ VNA) |
The blood donation campaign has spread widely throughout 63 provinces and cities for many years. The campaign has attracted many young donors as they know every drop of blood given saves lives. Nguyen Anh Tuan has donated blood 20 times: “I donated blood for the first time in 2009 in a campaign launched by the Youth Union. I will continue to do it in the future.”
And Nguyen Duc Thuan, who has donated blood for 15 times, says: “Blood donation is beneficial to the community. Every drop of blood given can save a life.”
Every year, millions of people donate their blood which has helped resolve the health sector’s blood shortage crisis. Le Gia Tien, Chief of the Office of the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation, said: “So far, 4,000 voluntary blood donation clubs have been set up. They are the key force in the voluntary blood donation campaigns.”
Blood donation is one of many activities of volunteer programs. There are also many other volunteer campaigns that have contributed to the protection of Vietnam’s sovereignty over the sea and islands, new rural development, building an urban, modern lifestyle, environmental protection, and preventing natural disasters, diseases, assistance in exams, and helping disabled people and orphans. For the past 2 years, volunteers have contributed significantly to the fight against the COVID-19.
 Volunteers take part in the fight against COVID-19 (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn) |
Nguyen Trung Thanh is an active volunteer in Can Tho City. Apart from supporting the COVID-19 fight in his locality, he also donates his savings to buy essentials for disadvantaged people affected by the pandemic. Thanh said: “I am willing to take part in volunteer work. I am happy to do something to help people in need.”
Volunteers contribute to the community and society in different ways. Many students, nuns, monks, and medical staff, have voluntarily joined in the fight against COVID-19. Hundreds of religious volunteers have helped take care of and given comfort to COVID-19 patients.
“During the time of COVID-19, I helped clean and take care of COVID-19 patients in hospitals.”
“Religious volunteers spend 4 to 5 hours a day helping at hospitals. We feel happy seeing patients recover from COVID-19.”
Many volunteers continue their work with the hope of sending love and kindness to people in need.