Crew members from His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal of the Royal Canadian Navy are helping plant trees at the "Tình Mẹ 2" Charity Shelter in Bình Dương Province on August 17. — Photo from the Embassy of Canada to Việt Nam

HCM CITY – Forty-five crew members from His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal of the Royal Canadian Navy along with Canada’s ambassador to Việt Nam, Shawn Steil, visited the "Tình Mẹ 2" Charity Shelter in Bình Dương Province on August 17.

"Tình Mẹ 2," a shelter for many orphans and young mothers that currently houses over 80 children, is located in Hưng Định Ward, Thuận An City, Bình Dương Province.

Canadian Ambassador to Việt Nam, Shawn Steil (the man on the left), is helping to plant a tree at the "Tình Mẹ 2" Charity Shelter in Bình Dương Province on August 17. — Photo nld.com.vn

The crew members and Canadian Ambassador to Việt Nam have participated in many community service activities to support the shelter, including planting trees, repairing facilities, and sharing meals with the children.

One of the crew members from His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal of the Royal Canadian Navy is stabilising bricks at the "Tình Mẹ 2" Charity Shelter in Bình Dương Province on August 17. – Photo from the Embassy of Canada to Việt Nam

This activity is part of a visit by His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal of the Royal Canadian Navy, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Travis Bain, along with 247 crew members, to HCM City from August 15 to 19.

During the visit, the sailors also engage in community and cultural activities, including meeting students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in HCM City, learning to make bánh xèo (crispy pancake) at Bến Thành Market, and participating in sports activities.

HMCS Montreal's first visit to Việt Nam is part of Operation HORIZON, which aims to promote freedom, stability and a rules-based international order under Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy. — VNS