Hundreds of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims and their families have successfully overcome difficulties in their lives thanks to the support of the Association for Victims of AO/Dioxin of southern Binh Phuoc province. The fact was mentioned by Chairman of the provincial association Bui Xuan Kim during the association’s second congress on May 28. The event was attended by 156 delegates representing more than 4,000 victims in the locality. In his report to the congress, Kim said that since 2006, grassroots associations have collected over VND6 billion ($286,000) and built 39 houses for AO/dioxin victims. They have presented thousands of gift packages, 128 wheelchairs and bicycles as well as provided financial assistance for medical examinations and treatment for more than 1,000 victims, he added. During the congress, tasks for the second term (2013-2017) were set. They include developing the association, continuing to find victims of AO/dioxin exposure, and conducting sustainable support like building houses of gratitude, providing capital for economic activities, creating jobs and granting scholarships. The congress elected a 23-member executive committee for the provincial association, and Bui Xuan Kim was reappointed as its Chairman. On this occasion, the Vietnam Association for Victims of AO/Dioxin and Chairman of the Binh Phuoc People’s Committee presented certificates of merit to individuals and groups, including the Vietnam News Agency bureau in the province, for their contributions to the association. (Vietnamplus.vn May 28)
