HCM City (VNA) – The Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) Central Committee, in coordination with the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, officially launched Humanitarian Month 2025 on May 8 under the theme “Humanitarian Journey – Spreading Love.”
The launching ceremony took place at the Youth Cultural House in HCM City’s District 1, in celebration of several important milestones: the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975 – 2025), World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day (May 8), and the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 – 2025).
This year’s campaign runs from May 1 to May 31, with peak activities from May 8 to 19. The VRCS aims to mobilise 400 billion VND (about 15.4 million USD) to implement humanitarian programmes and assist 100,000 individuals and collectives facing hardships.
Planned initiatives include visits and gift donations to Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, families of martyrs, war veterans, and former youth volunteers in difficult circumstances. Other events include organising free medical check-ups, building 500 Red Cross houses, and providing livelihood support for 500 disadvantaged households.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Do Van Chien said that over the past eight decades, the VRCS has served as a trusted bridge connecting the Party, State, and both domestic and international stakeholders to those in need. It is recognised as a professional humanitarian institution and an active member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The Humanitarian Month has become a cornerstone of Vietnam’s humanitarian efforts, helping to foster a broad culture of compassion across society, Chien said.
He noted that as Vietnam enters a new era – an era of building a prosperous and happy nation, the VRCS must continue to innovate, adapt to practical needs, and maintain close ties with vulnerable communities. He emphasised the importance of operating with professionalism, transparency, and compassion.
Chien also urged the society to further promote its core role, status, and credibility, especially in mobilising and coordinating resources, notably from the business sector, to support national social welfare programmes and respond effectively to emergencies.
Since its pilot launch in 2018, the National Humanitarian Month has raised more than 3.7 trillion VND, benefiting over 7.3 million people. In 2024 alone, it mobilised over 763 billion VND, providing aid to more than 1.6 million individuals.
On this occasion, the Ho Chi Minh City Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation encouraged foreign residents, workers, and students living in the city to participate in the blood donation drive./.
