The end of January saw the organization of the “Heartwarming Spring – Loving Tet” dinner event at Hospital for Children No. 1 (Ho Chi Minh City), bringing joy and sharing to young patients during Tet. This was not just a simple meal but a meaningful spiritual gift for these little ones and their families.
The New Year’s dinner helped ease homesickness for both children and parents.
The Humanitarian Significance of the Program
Organized by the Social Work Department in collaboration with benefactors, the program aimed to bring joy and motivation to children and their parents who were receiving treatment at the hospital. For many families, this is a difficult time when they cannot reunite with loved ones during Tet.
Ms. Đặng Thị Thảo, mother of Kim Xuyến, shared that her daughter had been hospitalized in the Nephrology ward for some time. Although she has yet to be discharged due to ongoing treatment, the delicious and heartfelt New Year’s dinner brought immense comfort. “We hope the hospital continues to organize such dinners so that the children can enjoy Tet happily despite being away from home,” Ms. Thảo expressed.
Each meal conveys community care and support.
Smiles and Gratitude
At the Nephrology ward, 15-year-old Quỳnh Như, after enjoying the New Year’s dinner, beamed with a bright smile and said, “The meal was very tasty, thank you for preparing it.” Her mother, Mrs. Hồng Thắm, emotionally shared that having the family eat together at the hospital was a cherished memory, especially given their inability to return home for Tet.
Mr. Chu Văn Thành, Deputy Director of Social Work, emphasized that Tet is a time for family reunions. However, many children still have to spend the holiday in the hospital. Therefore, this program not only provides meals but also serves as a source of encouragement, helping children and their families overcome homesickness and feel more confident in battling their illnesses.
The care from medical staff helps alleviate patient anxieties.
Spreading Love Through Meaningful Activities
In addition to 400 New Year’s dinners, Hospital for Children No. 1 plans to provide an additional 600 meal vouchers over the three-day Tet period. Furthermore, Hospital Lê Văn Việt organized the “Wrapping Green Rice Cakes – Sending Peaceful Tet” activity, distributing nearly 100 green rice cakes directly to patients’ beds.
Dr. Nguyễn Khoa Lý, Director of Hospital Lê Văn Việt, shared that green rice cakes symbolize family unity. Giving these cakes not only carries material significance but also serves as a way to encourage patients, making them feel warmer despite celebrating Tet far from home.
Small gifts filled with great affection from the medical team.
Conclusion
Programs like the “Heartwarming Spring – Loving Tet” dinner and other meaningful activities have become significant sources of encouragement for children and their families. Each meal and each green rice cake is not just food but a bridge of humanity, soothing pain and bringing hope to less fortunate lives. Let us continue to spread acts of kindness to foster a more connected and loving community.
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