Instructions for joining the campaign to support the Cuban people. — Photo courtesy of the Việt Nam Red Cross Society

HÀ NỘI — Contributions from the Vietnamese public to support Cuba via account number 2022 at the Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank have exceeded VNĐ117 billion (US$4.5 million) as of Friday morning, surpassing the initial target of at least VNĐ65 billion ($2.5 million).

The campaign, titled '65 Years of Việt Nam–Cuba Solidarity', forms part of the Việt Nam–Cuba Friendship Year 2025 marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1960–2025). The campaign has received warm support from many people across Việt Nam, with nearly 590,000 donations recorded so far.

People nationwide can track the total donations in real time via https://thiennguyen.app/donate-target/1955184412459020288 or by downloading the Thiện Nguyện (Charity) app from the App Store or Google Play. Full, publicly accessible statements of donations are also available on these platforms.

Running for 65 days from August 13 to October 16, the campaign mobilises resources to help the Cuban people overcome hardship and to strengthen the special friendship between the two nations.

The initiative aims to provide medical supplies, essential goods and other forms of sustainable development cooperation, supporting Cuba in coping with the effects of the pandemic, natural disasters and the impact of blockade and embargo policies.

On Thursday evening, Nguyễn Hải Anh, Vice President and Secretary General of the Việt Nam Red Cross Society (VNRC), issued a letter of thanks for the contributions made in support of Cuba.

In his letter, Anh described the donations as a vivid testament to the steadfast and loyal friendship between the Vietnamese and Cuban peoples as well as a valuable source of support to help Cuba overcome its challenges, stabilise daily life and continue to develop.

The VNRC, entrusted by the Party, State and the Việt Nam Fatherland Front to lead the campaign, expressed its gratitude to ministries, agencies, political and social organisations, mass movements, institutions, businesses, international partners, philanthropists and above all, to the Vietnamese people both at home and abroad who have stood in solidarity with the Cuban people.

“These noble acts go beyond their material value, shining as a symbol of the enduring spirit of Việt Nam–Cuba solidarity in all circumstances,” Anh said.

According to the VNRC, organisations, individuals and communities can contribute in various ways: through fundraising drives among officials, members, employees, students and residents; by scanning the VNRC QR code for bank transfers; via public donation boxes; through mobile applications (Thiện Nguyện or Viettel Money); on the VNRC website; or by organising creative school initiatives, such as letter-writing campaigns and fundraisers, to support Cuban children.— VNS