The "cow bank" program (photo: internet)

The Vietnam Red Cross Society has about 400,000 volunteers. They have engaged in programs to benefit the community, particularly disadvantaged people. Its local branches have reformed their operations and diversified their activities to reach more people in need.

The “cow bank” program, which donates cows to disadvantaged families, has been carried out in all 63 provinces and cities.

The campaign called “Every organization and every individual assists one humanitarian address” encourages local unit staffers and volunteers to directly assist extremely disadvantaged people in the community.

The “Lo River rescue team” in Tuyen Quang province is always on stand-by to help in the event of a river accident or natural disaster. Hanoi has organized blood donation programs to help people who need emergency transfusions.

Truong Quang Quan is a member of the Blood Donation Club: “This is the first time I’ve donated blood. At first I was nervous but after donating, I felt happy to have done something to help others. I’ve been motivated by this experience to continue volunteering.”

The Vietnam Red Cross Society has identified disaster preparation and response as key tasks. Like members of the armed forces, Red Cross volunteers always show up in areas struck by disasters to rescue and evacuate victims, and deliver food, medicine, and other necessities. The Society has been very much involved in stabilizing people’s lives after natural disasters.

Lo Van Duc, Chairman of the Dien Bien provincial Red Cross Society, said: “We’ll expand operations of local units to mobilize resources, and work with the Health Department to provide medical examinations and treatment.”

The Vietnam Red Cross Society has worked with the Red Cross Society of other countries as well as international development organizations to improve their ability to help the community.