Almost 100 billion VND (about 4.7 million USD) was raised for charitable activities in Vietnam through the National Humanity Portal 1400, which was established five years ago by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

The news was released at the Ministry’s get-together in Hanoi on January 14, which reviewed the portal’s operation and outlined ways to optimise its function in the coming time.

The event was also to honour active charitable organisations in partnership with the portal in humanitarian campaigns.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Nguyen Thien Nhan urged the portal to continue bettering its management and working closely with telecom firms in people-centred charitable campaigns.

He also called on Vietnamese citizens and international friends to give support to the portal to timely provide relief for disadvantaged people.

According to Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Bac Son, the portal received nearly 10 million messages from over 40 SMS campaigns launched, generating nearly 100 billion VND for humanitarian activities over the past five years.

Through the portal, assistance from many social organisations, ministries, sectors and individuals and rice were distributed to needy people across the country. Gifts and scholarships were provided for poor students and many child patients with congenital heart disease were operated free of charge.-VNA