In early August, the family of Tran Thi Mai, 63, in Dong Xuan Commune, moved into their new home largely funded by reader donations. Previously, six family members lived in a 40-square-metre run-down house. Her husband, 71, suffers from the after-effects of a stroke, while her son, Phan Van Trieu, 36, who was the breadwinner, became paralysed after a workplace accident earlier this year. The family had to sell their five cows and borrow heavily for his treatment.
Mai's old house
After Dantri reported their plight, readers donated more than VND 102 million (USD 4,120). With an additional VND 60 million (USD 2,420) from local authorities, the family repaired their old house and built a new two-bedroom extension, with a total cost of over VND 162 million (USD 6,540).
Mai and her husband at their new home
“I never dreamed of having such a proper home after decades in a shabby house. I am truly grateful,” Mai said.
In Phu Mo commune, Nguyen Sot, 58, also moved into his new house worth VND 170 million (USD 6,870). Readers contributed VND 110 million (USD 4,440), with the remainder covered by local government support.
Sot's old house
The 50-square-metre home, with tiled floors, a tiled roof, a kitchen and a separate bathroom, replaced his family’s cramped 15-square-metre dwelling.
After receiving total donations of VND 122.3 million (USD 4,940), Sot used most for construction and saved the rest for healthcare.
Sot at his new house
Meanwhile, in Xuan Lanh Commune, 18-year-old Nguyen Tran Thu Trang and her family also settled into their new house valued at VND 170 million (USD 6,870), with VND 110 million (USD 4,440) from readers and VND 60 million (USD 2,420) from authorities. Trang’s parents divorced four years ago, leaving her, her two younger siblings and their mother in a crumbling house. Her mother, Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, 38, has leukaemia, forcing Trang to abandon her dream of becoming a teacher to care for the family.
Trang and her mother, younger sister and brother at their old house.
Moved by her story, readers donated more than VND 180 million (USD 7,280). The family used part to build the new home and the remainder for medical treatment and school fees.
Trang at her new house
“We were so happy we could not sleep on the first night in our new house,” Trang said. “From now on, we no longer fear the rain and storms. I am truly thankful.”
Trang is now training as a hairdresser, determined to support her mother and siblings.
Tran Quoc Huy, Party Secretary of Xuan Lanh commune, expressed gratitude to Dantri readers. “With the support of readers, many lives have been lifted out of hardship. I hope the Dantri's charity programme will continue to connect those in need with kind-hearted donors,” he said.
