Kindhearted Hanoians are providing food for free to the destitute who have been left with no livelihoods due to the nationwide business shutdown to prevent the Covid-19 pandemic, local media reported.

The Hanoi city government has urged non-essential shops and services to close to prevent Covid-19 from spreading. Although people agreed with the authority move, it has also made life of the poor more difficult, leaving some with no means to earn a living.

Nguyen Phan Huy Khoi, a businessman in Hanoi, initiates the program “You need it, you take it” to provide free meals to the destitute people. Photo: VNE

To alleviate the hardships of the destitute people, many charity programs have been underway in the capital city, one such is “Sharing food every day, together overcoming Covid-19".

Nguyen Phan Huy Khoi, 38, a businessman in Hanoi initiated the program “You need it, you take it” to provide free meals to the destitute people.

"The enthusiastic support of the community surprises me. Many join my campaign quietly. The pandemic reveals many people in dire situation and need special attention from the community," Huy said.

He added that the program is expected to last until April 15 when the current stay-at-home situation ends. However, Khoi and his friends still have plans for the possible lengthening of the business restriction period.

Nguyen Thi Hoa, 45, from Nhan Chinh ward works as an hourly maid. Eight months ago, her husband died in a traffic accident and she alone has to support her three children. In these hard days, she came to take the free meal provided by Huy and his friends.

"I am truly grateful to the hearts of those who give food to the poor like us," Hoa said, adding that she currently has no income due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Another benefactor, XQ group, is also giving free meal, face masks and essential items for the poor everyday, with the slogan "Take one if you are in hardship. But if you are well, leave it for others."

Group XQ has presented gifts for the poor from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily at five points across the city, including:

* POINT 1: N2F Cafe, 54 Le Van Luong street, Thanh Xuan district, Hanoi.

* POINT 2: Gara Auto 568, 420 Lac Long Quan street, Tay Ho district, Hanoi.

* POINT 3: No.74 Nguyen Van Loc street, Ha Dong district, Hanoi.

* POINT 4: No.6 Phan Ke Binh street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi.

* POINT 5: No.31 Luong Khanh Thien, Tuong Mai ward, Hoang Mai district, Hanoi.

The followings are some photos of the charity activities:

Photo: XQ

Photo: XQ

Photo: XQ

Photo: XQ

Photo: XQ

Photo: VNE

Photo: Zing