
Sanitation workers enjoy free meals at a restaurant in Nghe An Province
After Typhoon Kajiki swept through, many areas in Nghe An were left devastated, with streets buried under fallen trees, waste and mud.
More than 200 workers from Nghe An Urban Environment Company have been mobilised to clean the streets of Thanh Vinh Ward day and night.
Le Van Hong, 67, owner of Minh Hong Restaurant, decided to prepare three consecutive lunches, each serving more than 200 free meals for the sanitation workers.
“I walked around after the storm and saw waste piled up, trees broken everywhere. It was heartbreaking. I immediately thought of the sanitation workers, who are suffering the most at this time. So my wife and I tried to prepare proper meals to support them,” Hong told reporters.
Used to eating hastily on street corners, the sanitation workers now had a chance to share warm, well-prepared meals at the restaurant.

Le Thi Tuyet, a worker at Nghe An Environment Company, said, “When we heard that Hong’s family cooked free meals for all staff, we felt so happy. We can't say anything more than sincere thanks to them.”

Le Van Hong (standing, blue T-Shirt) talks to the workers during their meals.
This is not Hong’s first charitable effort. Having grown up in poverty and worked in various jobs to make a living, he understands the hardships faced by manual labourers.
Over the years, he built his restaurant, which remains closely tied to social initiatives. In 2015, he hosted a music event at the restaurant, raising nearly VND 1 billion (approximately USD 37,950) to create 45 savings books, each worth VND 20 million (approximately USD 759), for Agent Orange victims in Nghe An.
Today, the restaurant also provides stable employment for 75 workers, each earning a monthly income of approximately VND 10 million (USD 379).
“We don't seek recognition, we only hope that workers feel cared for and find the strength to get through the harsh days after the storm,” Hong said.