Since 2001, during the implementation of the campaign for the poor launched by Ho Chi Minh City Fatherland Front, the fund for the poor has received over VND740.5 billion from thousands of organizations, enterprises and people. The Nhan dan newspaper reported that thanks to the generous donations, another 30,000 houses have been built for beneficiaries and poor families; 306,000 scholarships and 7,494 bicycles have been given to children from poor families; and hundreds of thousands of poor families have been given loans for production, or presents during lunar New Year and special festivals. The fund has also helped to bring 46,144 families out of poverty and reduce the poverty rate to 5.68%. In addition, over VND 309.7 billion has been invested in rural traffic systems, schools, medical stations, markets and cultural houses, helping to increase the quality of life for people in remote areas. The city Fatherland Front will expand the campaign for the poor in the near future. (cpv.org.vn May 12)
