The association to sponsor disadvantaged patients in the Southwest region made a debut on July 4.

The association consists of 104 members in charge of mobilising public support for the deprived community.

It has thus far raised more than 63 billion VND (2.9 million USD), of which 5 billion VND (230,414 USD) will be donated to building shelters, 500 million VND (23,041 USD) to five heart surgeries, and 100 million VND (4,608 USD) to supporting poor children, among others.

The association targets to raise a total funds of 200 billion VND (9.2 million USD) within the first three years of operation.-VNA