A member from the SOS Hoi An Free Tyre Repair Team offers support to two women. Photo by Baoquangnam.
At 9.30 pm, Nguyen Nhat Dong, 32, from Hoi An City, received a phone call. A local informed him that a group of foreign tourists had a broken-down vehicle on An Bang Bridge and needed assistance. Dong called a friend without hesitation, and they immediately headed to the location.
Within minutes, they arrived and quickly inspected the vehicle. It had a punctured tyre. One person held the torch while the other swiftly removed and patched the inner tube. The repair was completed in just over ten minutes.
The female tourist, whose vehicle had broken down, was surprised and touched by the volunteers' enthusiasm and the free service. Introducing herself as Sasha Klend, she repeatedly thanked the two volunteers. She mentioned that it was her first time visiting Hoi An with her friends, and she was impressed not only by the stunning scenery and delicious cuisine but also by the kindness of the local people.
"Just hearing words of gratitude and compliments about the people of Hoi An makes us happy and motivated to continue this work," Dong shared.
A service inspired by kindness
The team founder Nguyen Nhat Dong
Nguyen Nhat Dong founded the SOS Hoi An Free Tyre Repair Team a year ago, inspired by an experience where he received similar help. One night, his vehicle broke down, and a stranger kindly assisted him with the repair.
"That moment didn't just solve my problem; it also warmed my heart and made life feel a little more comforting," Dong recalled. Now, as the leader of this volunteer repair team, he finds joy in helping others.
The team has grown to eight members, all young individuals from different professions. Each night, they don their uniforms bearing the words "SOS Hoi An Free Tyre Repair Team" and set out across the city to assist those in need. Their working hours are from 7 pm to midnight.
"Our operating costs come from our own pockets, as we simply want to do something meaningful within our means. We don't seek donations," Dong said.
Spreading joy in the community
To sustain their activities, members contribute monthly to purchase repair tools, spare inner tubes, tyres, patches, and first-aid supplies. The team has also set up a Facebook page and a hotline for those needing assistance. On average, they receive 7-8 emergency calls a night, with peak times reaching dozens.
Thai Quang Nhat, 31, a member, admitted that the late-night work is tiring but sees it as a valuable experience in sharing, spreading joy, and promoting a more helpful way of living.
"If I were in the same situation, I'd be grateful if someone came to help. Even small acts of kindness can multiply joy, making life more meaningful," Nhat shared.
When receiving a request for assistance, team members quickly verify the details and assign the nearest available volunteer to respond. To ensure safety, at least two to four members attend each call-out.
After completing the repair, the team only accepts payment for replacement parts if necessary but does not charge for labour. Patching tyres is entirely free.
The team helps arrange towing services to a garage or repair shop for more severe issues involving cars or motorbikes, even at night.
Not all members are experienced mechanics; only a few are professionals. To improve their skills, the team regularly trains together, ensuring they can handle repairs more efficiently.
