Vietnamese in UK support local health staff in fight against COVID-19

The protective suits and face masks, originating in Vietnam, are expected to arrive in the UK next week.

Earlier, the VAUK also presented 50 boxes of gloves and face masks donated by the Vietnamese community in the UK to the NHS.

Amid the complicated development of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK is working closely with the VAUK to update information related to the disease, consular procedures and citizen protection.

At the same time, the VAUK launched a hotline to assist overseas Vietnamese in the UK if they need to contact the NHS, irrespective of personal documentation.

It is also providing free meals for medical staff at Lewisham and Kings hospitals in London every Tuesday and Saturday, beginning on April 18.

Vietnamese in Australia helping one another during COVID-19

In Australia, Vietnamese communities have helped their compatriots during the COVID-19 pandemic in the spirit of “the haves helping the have-nots”.

Businessman Diem Kieu Fuggersberger and his partners at Berger Ingredients and Coco & Lucas’ Kitchen in Sydney have distributed five tonnes of rice, 1,550 eggs, and 2,000 packets of instant noodles to over 300 Vietnamese Australians.

Likewise, the Facebook page Vietnamese Students in Melbourne (VMS) raised nearly AUD10,000 (US$6,000) to help Vietnamese people in need in the city. The campaign is being run by Facebook administrator Nguyen Duc Quyet and other group members who bought meat for those registered in the “Rice with Meat” programme. Each beneficiary will have 3 kg of meat delivered to their door.

Meanwhile, the group “Vietnamese Mummy in Aus” has mobilised nearly AUD25,000 as well as food and other supplies to help Vietnamese people in Australia grappling with the pandemic.

The campaign, launched on March 26, has helped nearly 300 people in need in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia.

The group is one of the biggest social media-based campaigns in Australia, with nearly 13,000 members.

In the five years since its debut, it has provided support to disadvantaged people in Australia, particularly abused women.