Children whose parents died of COVID-19 in HCM City received gifts and enjoyed music performances to celebrate Tết (Lunar New Year), thanks to a charity programme launched by the HCM City Youth Cultural House. Photo courtesy of HCM City Youth Cultural House.

HCM CITY — More than 500 children whose parents died of COVID-19 in HCM City have received Tết (Lunar New Year) gifts thanks to a charity programme by Youth Cultural House under the city’s Youth Union. 

The children received gift packs of food, traditional cakes, candy and toys worth VNĐ800 million (over US$31,890), which came from donations by different organisations and individuals.  

They were also entertained with live performances by artists from the HCM City Theatre Artists’ Association and volunteers from the union. 

“We wanted to provide much-needed relief to children orphaned by COVID-19 to prepare for a joyful Tết festival, and express the strong commitment of the HCM City Youth Union and its partners in supporting education and improving the quality of life for them,” said Quỳnh Hoa, deputy director of HCM City Youth Cultural House. “We hope our love and sharing can take away the pain of the children.”

The charity programme, called Gắn Kết Yêu Thương (Love Connects People), launched four years ago and has offered financial and emotional support and care for children orphaned by COVID-19 to study until they are 18 years old.

Consulting assistance is also provided. 

Youth Union volunteers are working with local agencies and organisations, including the HCM City Women’s Association and HCM City Association in Support of Disabled People and Orphaned Children, to run the programme. 

They have worked to raise several several hundred millions of đồng each year to support the children. 

Many theatre artists work to offer scholarships for two kids each. They also make a call and take the kids out for entertainment every weekend. 

Nearly 1,400 children under the age of 16 and around 600 between 16 and 18 years old in the city lost their parents due to the pandemic. Many orphans who were being raised by their grandparents have now also lost their grandparents, according to the city’s Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

The city government has implemented various programmes to care for the chidlren, offering food, essential goods and scholarships to attend school until they turn 18. — VNS