The proceeds included VND1.23 billion from an auction sale of a Duy Loi harmmock (2.5 tonnes in weight) and Rong Viet Cup. Viet Vuong Co, Ltd got Rong Viet Cup at a price of VND930 million from the initial price of VND150 million, while Dam Sen Cultural Park in HCM City bought the hammock at a price of VND310 million from the initial price of VND100 million.

Speaking at the programme, President of Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Pham The Duyet said the Fund for the Poor helped eradicate dilapidated shelters for the poor in 21 provinces and cities in 2005. He expressed his hope that Vietnamese people’s spirit of mutual assistance in difficulty will be heightened in future.

The programme was broadcast live in 12 hours on VTV3, connecting seven provinces and cities nationwide. It recalled the daily life of the poor and activities of the campaign “Day for the Poor” since it was launched on October 17, 2000.

The programme was co-organised by the Central Committee for Vietnam Fatherland Front, Vietnam Television and the Vietnam Army Telecommunications Company (Viettel).

So far, the “Day for the Poor“ campaign has raised more than VND 1,300 billion.

Ho Chi Minh City took the lead with a total of VND182.7 billion raised in the past five years. Notably, Tram Be – a dweller from district 6, Ho Chi Minh City – has donated more than VND11.2 billion to build over 1,000 compassionate houses and schools for poor people and students in Tra Vinh province.