Beyond hidden gems, Ho Chi Minh City alley holds human stories

On a late December noon, at alley 87 Tran Phu Street, Cho Quan Ward, Pham Thi Bich Nhu and her siblings and a group of neighbors, young and old, gathered cheerfully at a corner of the alley to prepare quality meal boxes to give to pediatric patients at hospitals, and to the poor making a living on the streets.

Carried out with great care

Nhu, 46, said this has been a long-standing routine for her, her family members and neighbors.

Whenever they manage to raise enough funds, the group sits down to plan another round of cooking to distribute meals to sick children and the poor.

To prepare around 1,000 quality meals at a cost of more than VND20 million (US$761), in addition to contributions from Nhu, her siblings and friends, the group also receives support from benefactors overseas who send money home to share the burden with sick children and the poor.

Thao, Nhu’s younger sister, said that many children from poor rural areas have to come to Ho Chi Minh City for medical treatment.

“We have the ability, health, and a bit of means, so we help others,” she said. 

“We do not just give nutritious meals, we also give care and compassion.”

Their charity work is carried out with great care. 

Ingredients such as chicken drumsticks, spring rolls, Vietnameee pork rolls, steamed rice paper, and steamed rice rolls are ordered from trusted suppliers to ensure quality and food safety.

“When helping the poor, especially sick children, everything must be done with sincerity,” Thao said.

“When we hand out the meals, the children and disadvantaged people can feel both the quality of the food and the kindness behind it.

“It lifts their spirits, supports their health, and helps ease part of their living and treatment costs.”

Besides, Nhu said that whenever neighbors hear about someone in hardship, they quickly call on others to contribute money and support.

In another corner of alley 87 lives Chau Thi Ngoc Lien, also well known for her charitable work.

For many years, she has regularly cooked thousands of quality meals for pediatric patients and the poor.

On full-moon days and the first day of the lunar month, she prepares hundreds of vegetarian meals for people struggling to make a living on the streets.

During Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays, she steps up her charity work, giving not only gifts but also cash to disadvantaged and disabled people.

Quiet act of dedication

Those unable to give financially choose to contribute through daily acts of service.

Keeping the alley clean and orderly is another quiet act of dedication.

For nearly 20 years, Nguyen Thi Phu, 71, along with a few neighbors, has swept the alley twice a day.

She wakes up at 4:30 am to collect trash while most people are still asleep, spending more than an hour cleaning several small alleyways before returning home to take on daily wage work.

In the afternoon, after finishing housework, she heads out again around 3:00 pm to sweep the alley.

Thanks to Phu’s efforts, the alley has become cleaner, encouraging residents to be more mindful about keeping their surroundings tidy.

According to Nguyen Thi Ngoc Thach, head of residential group 23 in Cho Quan Ward, the actions of residents in alley 87 are deeply admirable.

These acts help reinforce a long-standing tradition of generosity and compassion for the underprivileged, Thach said.

“They are truly worthy of recognition and should be replicated,” she insisted.