Le Thi Ngoc Phuoc gets up at 4 a.m every day to cook breakfast for poor patients. (Photo: VOV)

Le Thi Ngoc Phuoc is the owner of the Ut Han food stall in Cai Khe ward.

Phuoc says that before social distancing was imposed in Can Tho city, her family opened a “zero-dong mini market” to provide poor people essential items like instant noodles, rice, and eggs.

During the period of social distancing, Phuoc opened a charity kitchen, cooking more than 100 meals per day for poor kidney patients who live near the local hospital.

“I don’t think it’s a hard work, because I like it. I feel sorry for the patients. They come to the city from rural areas for treatment. I want to do something to help them”, said Phuoc.

Despite being pregnant, Phuoc gets up at 4 a.m every day to cook breakfast. She varies her menu, so people won’t get bored.

“I stay here to take care of my husband who is undergoing kidney treatment. The hospital fee is quite expensive. Thanks to Phuoc’s meals, we feel less pressure,” said Tran Thanh Ut, a renter at a near-by lodging house.

Poor patients are moved to receive free meals provided by Le Thi Ngoc Phuoc. (Photo: VOV)

Each day, Phuoc spends about 35 USD on ingredients for the meals. Her good deeds have received a positive response from her husband and other people. 

“Despite being pregnant, Phuoc is still very active and enthusiastic. I really admire her. I help her prepare the food for the poor people,” said Truong Diep Thuy of Ninh Kieu district.

Doing charity work makes Phuoc happy, knowing her efforts are easing the difficulties of many. 

“I don’t care about the hard work or the money. I’ll continue doing this until I give birth,” said Phuoc.