Special Tet market in Hai Duong

Nearly 20 items priced at 0 VND

It is called a special Tet market because buyers do not have to pay any money. This market was held on the morning of January 27 in the lobby on the first floor of the Eastern Cultural Center (Hai Duong City). This is an outstanding activity with profound humanitarian significance within the "Charitable Tet" program for the Year of the Dragon 2024, jointly organized by the People's Committee of Hai Duong province and the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society.

From early morning, 11 stalls displaying nearly 20 types of essential Tet goods such as sticky rice, banh chung, candy, cooking oil, fish sauce, incense, milk, jelly, seasoning powder... were neatly arranged. Dozens of Red Cross volunteers were waiting at the stalls, ready to support people in difficult circumstances with their Tet shopping.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Gam, Vice President of the Hai Duong Red Cross Society, said that organizing a Tet market for the disadvantaged has many profound humanistic meanings. The market not only has material significance but more importantly, it adds joy and excitement, helping them feel respected and cared for by the community.

"The resources to purchase items at this market are supported by businesses and philanthropists, so the poor can shop for Tet without having to pay any costs. Thereby, contributing to encouraging agencies, units, businesses, and philanthropists to continue participating in meaningful activities, joining hands to build a society rich in love," Ms. Gam emphasized.

Warmer Tet

Poor families with unstable incomes often do not have enough conditions to shop for Tet. Therefore, being able to participate in the Tet market and buy essential goods is a happiness.

They shop by themselves, choosing essential items to serve the family's Tet and spring celebrations in the most comfortable and joyful way.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Nga (70 years old, in Tran Phu ward, Hai Duong city) was very emotional when for the first time in many past Tets she had the opportunity to buy everything like this year. Her husband and children passed away early, Mrs. Nga did not have a stable income, so every Tet she could only wait for the gifts from the government but still lacked. Every year on the 30th of Tet, she worked for hire until the evening to have money to buy a few simple items.

"Thanks to participating in the market, my house is fuller and warmer this Tet. These items are enough for me to burn incense for my husband and children and have a happy Tet. I am very grateful to the sponsors," Ms. Nga said emotionally.

"So happy! I have never attended such a meaningful and joyful Tet market in my life. When Tet comes, I am cared for and taken care of by society like this, and I feel healthier and happier," said Tran Thi Hien (88 years old in Cam Giang).

Not only can they buy essential goods for free, all disadvantaged people attending the market also get free haircuts and calligraphy to decorate their homes for Tet.

The calligraphy words "Phuc", "Loc", "Tho", "Binh an", "Hanh phuc"... written by the "calligraphers" in black ink on soft, flexible red paper contain many good messages for families in the new year of Giap Thin 2024.

Mr. Pham Van Lang (70 years old, in Nam Sach district) held the calligraphy "peace" in his hand and said excitedly: "The wish of us poor people is always to have peace. Therefore, this gift is truly a message, containing many meanings. It also reminds me of the old Tet holidays. I will hang it in the most solemn place in my house and wish all people and families to live in peace and happiness."

Although it only lasted about 2 hours, the special Tet market really brought experiences, emotions, and fostered more faith in life and the will to rise up for people in difficult circumstances...

Ahead of them, a fuller, warmer Tet is gradually coming into being.