The Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee launched a “Month for the poor” on October 14. Millions of poor people across the country have been assisted by the group’s Fund for the Poor. Over the last 10 years, the Fund has received VND5,120 billion from donations and the Government assistance. More than 1 million houses for the poor were built or repaired by this fund. It also provided poor people with production materials, disadvantages pupils with books and the poor patients with fees. Groups and individuals nationwide have donated thousands of billions of dong for social security programs and other activities to help the poor and victims of natural disasters, Ha Thi Lien, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee. The foundation of funds for charity is regulated by Decree 148 of the Government. Since the Fund was founded, we annually report its operation publicly. All the assistance is proved to go to real recipients, Lien added. Along with members of local Fatherland Front Central Committees, the staffs of relevant ministries, departments and organizations nationwide are involved in the campaign. They help to match assistance to the appropriate targets. They are responsible for the Fund in their localities. Various programs are often launches by the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee in the closing months of the year, such as “Joining hands for the poor” from December 25-30, which receive strong support from businesses. (vovnews.vn Oct 23)
