Lo Van Uon, 83, from Thanh An Commune, Dien Bien Province, has finally found security in old age thanks to support from Dantri readers and charitable donors across Vietnam.
Uon enlisted in the military in 1964 and served on an international mission in Laos before returning to his hometown. Age and illness have since taken a severe toll on his health.
He suffers from several chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, arthritis, oedema and a persistent cough, making daily movement extremely difficult.
After his wife died, Uon was left largely on his own. His five children all face financial hardship.
Lo Van Uon once lived alone in a roughly 15-square-metre hut that had seriously deteriorated (Photo: Tung Duong).
Although his eldest son lives nearby, the steep staircase leading to the family's traditional stilt house prevented Uon from accessing it. As a result, he lived alone in a fragile 15-square-metre bamboo hut that was at risk of collapsing.
Lo Van Uon's former dilapidated hut (Photo: Tung Duong).
Following the publication of an article about his circumstances by Dantri/Dtinews in December 2025, readers and benefactors from across the country responded with donations to support him.
Through Dantri's charitable fund, readers contributed VND 70 million (approximately USD 2,700). Additional direct donations from benefactors exceeded VND 30 million (approximately USD 1,150), bringing total support to more than VND 100 million (approximately USD 3,850).
With further contributions from family members, local authorities and borrowed funds, Uon was able to build a new house at a total cost of more than VND 200 million (approximately USD 7,700).
Lo Van Uon's new house (Photo: Tung Duong).
When construction began, the Thanh An Commune Fatherland Front Committee donated a water tank, while residents of Ten Luong Village helped transport building materials to the site.
The house has now been completed.
Sitting in his new home, Uon said he was deeply moved by the generosity he had received.
"Living in a house like this brings me great joy and happiness. I sincerely thank Dantri, its readers and all the benefactors who helped me. I am deeply grateful," he said.
Lo Van Uon is delighted to be living in a solid new house (Photo: Tung Duong).
Vi Van Son, chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in Thanh An Commune, said the support had transformed Uon's life.
Representatives of the Thanh An Commune Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee visit to offer congratulations on the housewarming (Photo: Tung Duong).
"Thanks to the companionship of Dantri, its readers and donors, Uon has gone from living in a temporary shelter to having a solid home where he can live in safety and dignity," Son said.
"Since moving into the new house, he has become more optimistic, cheerful and healthier. On behalf of the local community, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dantri, its readers and all those who supported him."
