First, I would like to apologize for being late on updating the charity work that we had been involved with in Hải Phòng, Vietnam. This past December, The Spices Of Life teamed up with Saint Joseph Charity in Austin, Texas to bring together people with disabilities in Hải Phòng, Vietnam not just to promote the International Day of Persons with Disabilities which is observed annually on December 3rd, but also to reach out to them during the Christmas season. We appreciate the help of Caritas Hải Phòng, a local charity organization, for organizing such a wonderful event. There were 300 guests with various disabilities ranging hearing impairment, visual impairment, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophies, and disabilities resulting from motor vehicle accidents.
Many touching stories were shared at the event with the purpose of inspiring each other to thrive and grow under any circumstances so that they not only live but live beyond their physical limitations to inspire others who are in the same situation. In the case of Nguyễn Hữu Hậu who lives in Thủy Nguyên, Hải Phòng; he was paralyzed at birth due to muscular atrophy , but has risen to become the CEO of an engraving and sculpting company. This gives him the opportunity to employ many people with disabilities.
Đặng Thành Đồng is a handicapped who has strived to become a national track and field star.
Đặng Đình Thân and Vũ Thị Bính, a disabled couple - one born with a congenital condition that left him deaf-mute and the other blinded by cruel acid attacks - makes a living together by making brooms.
The event was a display of unity, love, and accomplishments, replete with stories of those who refuse to accept their fate as a disabled. We were thrilled to be a part of this phenomenal gathering.
The expenses for this event was $10,000 which included the cost of transportation for the disabled attendees, their wheelchairs, gifts, and dinner. There were approximately 93 wheelchairs given out. The Spices Of Life contributed $2000 towards 33 wheelchairs. In addition, more than 200 gifts including blankets and cash were given to the blind, deaf and those afflicted with cerebral palsy. The gifts were not of great material value, but they display a great deal of heart and love from the benefactors who make the program possible.
An intimate dinner closed the meeting with exchanges of joy and laughter in an uplifting atmosphere. Caritas Hải Phòng hoped that more benefactors will join in to continue this work to help our friends with disabilities integrate into the community and overcome their physical disabilities so that they can lead a more productive life.
On behalf of all the people with disabilities at the event and Caritas Hải Phòng, I would like to thank my blog readers and friends for your generous assistance and support.
Click this link to the event written in Vietnamese.
Bấm vào đây để đọc bài viết tiếng Việt.
