WHAT IS A CHARITY? 6 MOST PRESTIGIOUS CHARITIES TODAY

Charitable organizations are a concept that everyone has heard of at least once. So, what exactly is a charitable organization? How do they operate? Why do they exist? And how can one participate in such an organization?

Understanding Charity

To fully grasp the concept of charitable organizations, it's essential to first understand what they are.

What is a Charity?

A charity is a type of non-profit organization (NPO) established to carry out philanthropic activities. These activities span various fields such as social welfare, education, and healthcare, all grounded in the spirit of charity and volunteerism.

How to Join a Charitable Organization?

Charitable fundraising organizations operate on a voluntary basis, but transparency and clarity are also crucial. To join a charitable organization, you should:

- Research the organization you wish to join, including its mission, significance, and both past and upcoming activities.

- Ensure you have accurate information about the organization’s headquarters, the locations where charitable activities take place, and the beneficiaries of these efforts.

- If, after this research, you feel the organization aligns with your values and desire to contribute to society, you can apply to join their charitable fundraising efforts.

Charitable Organizations in Vietnam

Many charitable organizations and groups have emerged, each with different goals. Every charity offers unique value to the community. Here are some of the longstanding charitable organizations in Vietnam that have made significant contributions to society.

Happy Home Fund

Established on November 22, 2019, by Decision No. 1032/QĐ-BNV of the Ministry of Home Affairs, this fund is based in Hanoi. The fund operates with the motto “Together we connect – Sharing love.” It has organized many meaningful charitable and humanitarian activities to assist those in difficult situations, including families of war heroes, the elderly living alone, and orphans.

During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Happy Home Fund provided 300 gift packages to students affected by the pandemic in Hanoi. Additionally, the fund has donated over 1 billion VND to orphans in the Central Highlands and southern provinces.

Minh Tâm Charity Association Hanoi

Founded on April 15, 2014, the Minh Tâm Charity Association in Hanoi is made up of volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including businesspeople, engineers, doctors, and students. Its purpose is to support and help those less fortunate. This organization also serves as a space for young people to connect, learn from each other, and work toward building values of truth, kindness, and beauty. It fosters a spirit of unity and helps participants build confidence and independence through the association's activities.

As a volunteer-based organization, its funding comes from member contributions and donations from their families, friends, and acquaintances.

Operation Smile

Established in 1982, Operation Smile is a charitable organization operating in the healthcare field. It is one of the largest non-governmental, non-profit organizations in the world, working in many countries, including Vietnam.

Operation Smile provides free surgeries for children born with cleft lips, cleft palates, and other facial deformities, helping restore their natural smiles. In Vietnam, the organization has carried out numerous surgeries for children with these conditions across the country.

Birla Children's Village

Founded in 1983, Birla Children's Village in Hanoi is a well-known charitable organization. It was created during the visit of Birla, the CEO of Cimco Light Industries from India, to Vietnam.

Birla Children's Village takes care of and raises orphans in Hanoi. Over nearly 40 years, it has cared for more than 500 children who have lost both parents or one parent, with the other unable to care for them due to illness or other hardships.

Saigon Children's Charity (saigonchildren)

Founded in 1992, Saigon Children's Charity CIO (saigonchildren) aims to help disadvantaged children in Vietnam access education, giving them a better start in life. The organization is dedicated to overcoming barriers like financial hardship, geography, and lack of knowledge to help these children go to school.

Saigon Children’s Charity runs four main programs: Scholarships, School Building, Vocational Training and Skills Development, and Special Education.

Mountainous Underprivileged Students Fund

This charity evolved from the “Rice with Meat” program. It primarily supports poor students from disadvantaged backgrounds in highland areas. It also aids students, teachers, and residents in disaster-prone regions, providing assistance in times of sudden hardship.

The charity’s goal is to ensure that impoverished students in Vietnam's highland regions receive nutritious meals at school, along with warm clothes, school supplies, medicine, books, proper classrooms, and other necessary support.