On the weekend of October 14, a total of 150 gifts – each worth around $85 – were given to students in challenging circumstances in Hau Giang province as part of the Connecting with Love - Steadfastly Going to School scheme that was supported by Tan Hiep Phat through coordination with The Red Cross.

Although the programme started at 9am, parents and their children were already present at the Provincial Party Committee’s Propaganda Department Hall by 7am to await Tan Hiep Phat’s arrival with the gifts.

Duong Thi Tam spoke about her family's situation

73-year-old Duong Thi Tam, who lives in Vi Dong commune, said that she felt so happy that she couldn't sleep for the past few days since hearing the news that her grandchild would receive a gift.

Her grandchild is currently in grade four, and her daughter goes to work far away. Every month, she sends VND1.5 million ($63) to help with the child's education.

“I'm thrilled. I’ve worked hard, but can only buy enough food to get through each day. Thanks to this gift, I will take my grandchild to buy her a new outfit for the beginning of this school year,” said Tam.

Also facing difficult circumstances is Nguyen Thi Chin, who resides in Long My town. Their family does not have fields or gardens to cultivate, so can only rely on buying food at the market to survive.

Her grandchild is also studying in the fourth grade at Thuan An primary school. She said that every year, her grandchild receives a certificate of merit for being a good student.

“Today I went to receive gifts, so I took a day off from selling sticky rice,” Chin said with a smile.

“I am delighted because the gift is the equivalent of what both my husband and I earned from selling sticky rice all month. After receiving the gift, I will take my grandchild to the market for a bowl of pho,” she said.

Efforts to be of service to society by caring for children

Speaking at the gift giving ceremony, David Charles Riddle, representative of Tan Hiep Phat Group said, "The gifts have material value but also motivate and encourage the children to develop a nothing-is-impossible spirit, working hard to overcome difficulties and studying to build a better future."

Tran Van Huyen, Deputy Secretary of Hau Giang Party Committee and Chairman of Hau Giang People's Council, and David Riddle, representative of Tan Hiep Phat Group, presenting gifts to students

Tran Van Huyen, Deputy Secretary of Hau Giang Party Committee and Chairman of Hau Giang People's Council, sent his thanks to Tan Hiep Phat Group for not only investing in the factory, creating jobs, and contributing to the area's economic development, but also paying special attention to students in challenging circumstances in the province.

At the same time, he reminded the students to continue their efforts to overcome the challenges and pursue their studies, as education and qualifications are the foundation to improve their lives and build a solid future.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Tan Hiep Phat gifted more than 30,000 moon cakes and about 30,000 cases of products such as Number 1 Soya Calcium soy milk to children and students from localities across the country, bringing joy and energy for the new school year.

Tan Hiep Phat's efforts to care for and protect children do not stop at the word ‘charity’. David Riddle shared, “We always try to reach the children directly, especially those living in compassionate, social service facilities because they are the most vulnerable individuals in society due to their special circumstances.”

Since the beginning of 2023, Tan Hiep Phat has sponsored 11 more home shelters in Binh Duong province with a total monthly support value reaching $8,450, including $4,000 in cash and 600 cases of beverages.

Tan Hiep Phat also donates an additional $2,100 per month to Huynh Tieu Huong shelter to pay for meals for students attending middle and high schools.

Honouring its commitment, on special occasions such as holidays, Tan Hiep Phat hosts meaningful activities for the children. Most recently, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Riddle led a group of employees to visit and give gifts to 50 children, making them and their relatives very happy.

Hang Huu Nghia (standing in the back row) with his wife and children were deeply moved by Tan Hiep Phat's compassionate care for his family

Hang Huu Nghia, 67 years old and working as a delivery person, is the grandfather of two children orphaned by the COVID-19 pandemic. Full of emotion, he said, “Every month a staff member from Tan Hiep Phat came to visit the two children, took them out to eat, played, and also did homework with them.

On occasions such as Lunar New Year, Children's Day, and now Mid-Autumn Festival, Tan Hiep Phat's acting CEO and staff come to visit my family. We thank the company for their companionship and support.”

Riddle concluded, "For Tan Hiep Phat, taking care of children is not a charitable activity but a responsibility to the community in general, children in particular, and the obligation to be of service to society. These are the core values we set right from our first day of establishment."