As many as 3,800 woolen blankets will soon be handed over to poor residents in 17 northern provinces which are being hit by the first strong cold spell in 2013, according to the Vietnam Red Cross (VRC).Four mountainous provinces of Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Lai Chau and Son La will receive 300 blankets each, while the remainder will be shared among 13 others including Lang Son, Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Yen Bai, BacKan, Thai Nguyen, TuyenQuang, HoaBinh, PhuTho, BacGiang, ThanhHoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh.The aid package, valued at nearly VND310 million ($14,760), is sourced from goods reserves for emergency aid managed by the VRC’s Central Committee.In addition, the committee is urging provincial Red Cross nationwide to launch campaigns of donating warm blankets and clothes to the affected provinces. (dtinews.vn Jan 10)
