VRC Targets Raising VND100 Billion for AO Victims

The Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRC) has set a target to mobilize VND100 billion ($4.8 million) for Agent Orange (AO) victims during this year’s Action Month for AO Victims, which will run from August 10 to September 10. The month will begin on Friday in response to the Day for Vietnamese AO Victims (August 10) and aims to provide care and assistance for AO victims and their families to help them improve their lives. During the action month, AO victims across the country will receive VND100 billion in assistance through the VRC and VND1-VND5 billion from provincial and city Red Cross Associations. The VRC and its nationwide associations will focus on raising public awareness about the toxic chemical’s serious consequences for human health and the environment. It will also promote Party and State policies for AO victims and encourage more joint efforts from organizations and individuals to support AO victims and their families. The organization will continue granting scholarships, providing vocational training, generating jobs and providing financial support for AO victims, in addition to further consolidating and developing the Fund for AO Victims at all levels. (www.nhandan.org.vn Aug 9)