The Mekong Delta Office of Dantri Newspaper presented on March 4 the symbolic cheque to Nguyen Van Thai, 38, who lives in Can Tho City.
A Dantri reporter presents the the symbolic cheque for the donated money to Nguyen Van Thai on March 4 (Photo: Nguyen Nam).
Years after his divorce, Thai has been raising two children on his own. After both of his parents died, he once brought his children to Ho Chi Minh City in search of work.
With limited education, his job opportunities were scarce. He mainly worked as a construction helper, earning about VND 300,000 per day when work was available. To make ends meet, he rented a small room on the outskirts of the city and often caught snails and freshwater crabs along canals and rice fields to feed his family.
His situation worsened last year when he suddenly fell seriously ill and suffered a stroke, forcing him to return to his hometown to recover. Since then, the family’s finances have deteriorated further.
Thai’s daughter is married and lives in Ca Mau Province, but her own family struggles financially and can only occasionally send small amounts of money to help him buy rice and basic food.
The house where Thai and his son live is extremely dilapidated, consisting of a patched-up corrugated metal roof supported by wooden poles and worn tarpaulins. During seasonal high tides, floodwater can rise to nearly knee level, forcing Thai to take his son to stay temporarily at his sister’s house until the water recedes.
Because he struggles to move around and cannot work, relatives and neighbours often bring food and drinks to support the father and son.
Thai and his son live in a dilapidated house (Photo: Bao Ky).
After Thai’s story was published by Dantri Newspaper, many readers and benefactors donated money to help the family. The entire amount has been transferred to his bank account.
“I don’t know what to say other than my sincere thanks to Dantri readers and all the kind-hearted donors who helped my family,” Thai said.
“If something suddenly happens to me, this money will at least help my son continue his education and grow up,” he added.
Thai said he hopes to rebuild or repair the family’s deteriorating house if the funds allow, raising the foundation to prevent flooding. Any remaining money will be saved to support his son’s schooling.
