Over the past eight months, the Vietnam Red Cross (VRC) has raised approximately USD7.783 million in support of Japanese victims affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami.

The VRC has implemented and disbursed international and domestic projects capitalised at VND51.074 billion (USD24.5 million).

Until the end of June 2011, the VRC had raised a total of VND992.12 billion (USD47.7 million) They now strive to collect more than VND2 trillion across 2011 and 2012.

At the working session with the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee in Hanoi on September 8, Vice President of the Vietnam Red Cross, Hoang Van Thai said that the VRC and its activities continue to develop and gain good results. The association has closely co-ordinated with the VFF to mobilise the VRC’s branches to actively respond to campaigns such as “Day for the Poor”, and “Vietnamese people use Vietnamese goods”.

President of the VFF Central Committee, Huynh Dam also highlighted efforts made by the VRC which have closely associated with the Party’s policies and the State’s laws. The association has made an important contribution to caring for the poor and people under extremely difficult circumstances. The association’s activities also aim to strengthen national unity and expand relations with international organisations operating both at home and abroad.

Mr. Dam expressed his wish that the VRC continue to promote its role as a key member of the VFF Central Committee in the implementation of charity activities in order to win the trust of the Party, State and VFF and ensure social welfare.