Athletes, volunteers, and members of the Vietnam Red Cross Society join the “Millions of Steps of Kindness” campaign in Dien Bien Phu city, Dien Bien province. (Photo: nhandaoonline.vn)

This year’s event will run throughout May and coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory on May 7.

Since its debut in 2018, National Humanitarian Month has achieved many practical results in raising social awareness and spreading a spirit of "mutual love and mutual support". More than 133 million USD has been raised so far to help 5.5 million poor and disadvantaged people nationwide.

Bui Thi Hoa, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, said at the launch ceremony that humanitarian Month attracts a large number of people and resources, generating even more humanitarian work and activities than in other months of the year.

“This year’s event, with humanitarian disasters threatening the lives of tens of thousands of people, particularly women and children, in some regions, hopes to spread humanity, kindness, love, and peace and connect communities,” Hoa noted.

President Vo Thi Anh Xuan praised the work of the Vietnam Red Cross over the years and urged the Red Cross to continue to meet the needs of the new situation. Administrations at all levels need to continue implementing Party guidelines and State policies on humanitarian work and help the Red Cross carry out its mission, she said.

“We encourage agencies, organizations, domestic and foreign benefactors and people from all walks of life to support and stand side by side with the Red Cross to help the poor and others in difficult circumstances and build a united, progressive, and civilized society,” Madam Xuan said.

In response to this year’s National Humanitarian Month, more than 100,000 people have participated in the “Millions of Steps of Kindness” campaign to raise money for humanitarian activities and spread the humanitarian spirit.

The campaign has raised 550,000 USD to help 16,000 people in Dien Bien, Thai Nguyen, and Son La province.