The tenth annual ‘One Heart - one World’ fund drive held at the Hanoi Cultural Friendship Palace has raised over VND22 billion ($1 million) for orphans and disabled people. The art exchange charitable program was co-organized by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs; the Vietnam Association in Support of People with Disabilities and Orphans (VASPDO); and Vietnam Television for the purpose of raising funds to provide assistance to both the handicapped and orphans to integrate better into the community. The program has honored thousands of good examples of disabled people and orphans nationwide who try their best to fight against the obstacles they face, as well as donors, both domestic and abroad who contribute most to the program. Over the last nine years, the program has contributed greatly to the work of VASPDO to actively assist orphans and needy people in their lives. It has also been an information channel which helps the community get closer to the work of supporting these unlucky. After nine years (from 2003) being broadcast on VTV, around VND670 billion ($32 million) has been donated to the program to help nearly 1.4 million needy people. (hanoitimes.com.vn April 16)
