Caring compassionately: community-led organization offers gratis sustenance to hospitalized individuals and struggling populace
In the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam, a remarkable charity group named Autumn and Friends has been making a significant impact on the lives of many for over a decade [1]. The organization's humble beginnings trace back to around 2015, when it was established with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide free meals to those in need, primarily hospital patients who struggle to afford proper nutrition during their medical treatment [1].
A Culinary Lifeline for Hospital Patients
On any given day, Autumn and Friends prepares nearly 3,000 portions of comforting porridge, a meal that not only nourishes the body but also lifts the spirits of those battling illness [2]. This culinary lifeline is distributed at hospitals' distribution sites, where a long line of patients and caregivers eagerly await their turn [2]. Nguyen Minh Ngoan from Thai Binh, for instance, requests extra portions for sick patients who cannot come and get it themselves [3].
Expanding Horizons: Education, Infrastructure, and Beyond
Beyond hospital-based meal programs, Autumn and Friends has broadened its scope to encompass education and infrastructure development. The group has constructed 10 schools in remote mountainous areas of Ha Giang and Son La, addressing critical gaps in rural access to education [1]. These infrastructure projects, coupled with their urban meal initiatives, reflect a holistic approach to community uplift.
A Decade of Resilience and Adaptability
Autumn and Friends' sustained commitment over the past decade is a testament to its resilience and adaptability in the face of Vietnam's evolving social challenges [1]. The group remains less documented in international media compared to larger or more politically active groups, but it has carved out a niche among Hanoi's civil society organizations.
Key Milestones
| Year | Activity Expansion | Location | |----------------|---------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------| | 2015–present | Free meal programs for hospital patients | Hospitals across Hanoi | | Recent years | Bridge and school construction in rural areas | Remote regions near Hanoi |
The Heart of Autumn and Friends
The growth of Autumn and Friends appears to be driven by grassroots volunteerism and community engagement. Volunteers like Phuong Thi Hong, who has been a part of the group for eight years, assist with various tasks such as cooking, serving, and preparing food [6]. Nguyen Thi Nhung, a member of Autumn and Friends' administration, expresses compassion for patients, while Nguyen Thi Nhung feels happy and fulfilled by her work with the group [7].
Funding and Outreach
Autumn and Friends raises funds by selling agricultural products and paintings crafted from Bodhi leaves [8]. Their efforts have enabled them to support 200 disadvantaged families in various provinces [9]. The patients they serve often express that the porridge tastes better than food from outside restaurants [10]. Moreover, the group provides essential items to poor people in mountainous areas [11].
For patients like Nguyen Thi Luong, who finds the support especially meaningful as she has no family by her side during her hospital stay [1], the work of Autumn and Friends is more than just a meal. It's a beacon of hope, a reminder of the compassion and resilience that exists within their community.
[1] VietnamNet Bridge
[2] Vietnam Insider
[3] VietnamNet Bridge
[4] VietnamNet Bridge
[5] VietnamNet Bridge
[6] VietnamNet Bridge
[7] VietnamNet Bridge
[8] VietnamNet Bridge
[9] VietnamNet Bridge
[10] VietnamNet Bridge
[11] VietnamNet Bridge
- Despite making significant strides in food-and-drink and home-and-garden projects, such as constructing schools and selling agricultural products, Autumn and Friends remains primarily recognized for its war on hunger, providing free meals for hospital patients in Hanoi.
- In an effort to expand its policy beyond food-and-drink initiatives, Autumn and Friends has implemented a holistic approach, addressing the lifestyle of those in need by constructing schools in rural areas, thus aiming to improve their education opportunities.
- With AI technology still absent in its operations, Autumn and Friends relies on community and grassroots efforts, involving volunteers in cooking, serving, and preparing meals for patients, creating a broader impact on the lifestyles of underprivileged individuals in Vietnam.
