Launched by Green Community, an environmental protection organization under the Vietnam Volunteer Center (the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union), in Hanoi, HCMC, and 156 locations in all cities and provinces around the country in response to the Earth Day, the campaign attracted some 16,600 volunteers participating in collecting and sorting garbage, and planting trees. Within one day, young people nationwide had collected nearly 35 tons of trash, 812 bags of recyclable waste, and planted many trees.
Green Community was established by Nguyen Ngoc Anh, a 28-year-old woman from Daklak Province, aiming to turn Vietnam into the top five green and clean nations with least plastic waste in Southeast Asia before 2025. Anh told tienphong.vn that the campaign responding to the Earth Day was launched throughout the country in order to raise the awareness and responsibility about environmental protection among the youth.
So far, Green Vietnam has had more than 50,000 volunteers at 250 locations in provinces and cities nationwide, including on islands and archipelagos, and at 15 international locations. Over 1,000 tons of trash have been collected and treated after seven campaigns launched countrywide by Green Vietnam.
A culinary festival by Saigon River
The Tourism-Cuisine and Southern Traditional Cake Week 2024 took place along the Saigon River from April 27 to May 5, drawing crowds of visitors in search for both the tranquil riverside ambiance and an array of culinary delights.
During the festival, over 200 booths showcased a diverse selection of traditional cakes, including grilled sponge cakes, sticky rice cakes, and sizzling pancakes, offering attendees a tantalizing taste of local flavors. A variety of traditional desserts and drinks, such as coconut water, sugarcane juice, aloe vera juice, and winter melon juice, were also introduced at the festival, reported the Tien Phong news site.
Amidst the culinary exploration, visitors had the chance to immerse themselves in a vibrant festival atmosphere filled with music and dancing performances, as well as opportunities to join in numerous traditional folk games.
Two ex-soldiers travel from Ca Mau to Independence Palace on foot
Starting from the southernmost province of Ca Mau two months ago, Bui Dinh Thuc and Pham Duc Hiep, both from Hai Duong Province, arrived at the Independence Palace in HCMC on April 30 as planned.
Thuc and Hiep are 28 years old and are now ex-soldiers. Thuc told tuoitre.vn that they planned to make the walking trip in 2022 after they had been demobilized. However, due to some personal reasons, the trip was delayed until February this year.
Starting their walking trip from Ca Mau City, on the way to HCMC, Thuc and Hiep managed to visit all the war martyrs cemeteries in the localities they passed by. They would also do any job to earn some money for their trip. The two ex-soldiers arrived at the Independence Palace in HCMC on April 30, the Reunification Day of Vietnam. There they released some pigeons, which are the symbols of peace, freedom, and love, hoping that all people would live in peace, liberty and love.
The final destination of their walking trip is a northernmost locality, and Thuc and Hiep plan to conclude their trip early next year.
Offering free clothes to those in need
The actions of 30-year-old Tran Xuan Sang and his wife, who run the zero-dong clothing store in HCMC, have captured widespread attention on social media, deeply touching the hearts of many.
Situated in an alley on Luong The Vinh Street, Tan Phu District, their clothing store is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day. The shop covers an area of almost 70 square meters, featuring a prominent sign that reads: “Zero-dong clothing store. Take what you need, give what you can.”
The store provides diverse clothing, footwear, and accessories suitable for all age groups. Most of the clothing is still in good condition, freshly washed, and smells nice. Everyone can choose their favorite clothes and accessories without paying a single penny. Those who have unused items can also donate them to the store.
Sang has run this shop since April intending to support those in need. “My childhood was tough, relying on charity meals, so now I want to give back,” he told thanhnien.vn.
