On October 27, Dantri/DTiNews reporters in the Mekong Delta handed over VND 89.68 million (USD 3,423) to Nguyen Thi Ty, who lives in Binh Hoa Dong Hamlet, Dong Son Commune, Dong Thap Province.
The donations came from readers in Vietnam and abroad through Dantri's charity programme after an August 19 article highlighted her struggle to raise her grandson following the deaths of her husband and two children from cancer. The full amount was transferred to her bank account.
Ty described the donations as an invaluable gift. She has withdrawn VND 9 million (USD 344) for her grandson's school expenses, deposited VND 80 million (USD 3,053) in savings and plans to build a small house in January 2027.
"My older sister gave me a small plot of land, and with the readers' support, I believe I can build a home. I am deeply grateful to Dantri/DTiNews readers for their kindness and encouragement during our difficult times," she said.
Her grandson, Nguyen Bao Truong Giang, 14, a ninth-grade student, said he was excited about having a home and no longer having to pay rent. He promised to study hard and become a useful member of society.
Dantri/DTiNews previously reported that Giang's mother, Nguyen Thi Phu, died of intestinal cancer in 2013 at the age of 26. His father died in an accident shortly afterwards.
When Giang was three, Ty's husband and son also died of cancer. She sold her land, possessions and family home to pay for their treatment, leaving her and her grandson dependent on rented accommodation.
Ty previously worked in a factory but has been unable to continue working for the past four years because of her age. Her declining health, particularly severe joint pain that makes walking difficult, has added to their hardship.
After school, about three kilometres from their rented room, Giang helps his grandmother process cashew nuts, earning an additional VND 30,000-40,000 (USD 1.15–1.53) a day.
The family receives VND 1.5 million (USD 57) a month in social assistance for orphaned children, their only regular income to cover rent, food and other essentials.
