Ho Chi Minh City community program offers free meals and haircuts, doubling residents' joy

In Ho Chi Minh City's Tăng Nhơn Phú ward, a heartwarming community initiative provides free meals and haircuts to residents in need on the first and third Saturdays of each month. The program, a collaboration between the ward's Public Service Supply Center and its Trade Union, has become a source of joy and practical support for many. Volunteers, including 17-year-old aspiring hairstylist Bảo Ngọc, dedicate their time to offering haircuts, ensuring recipients feel refreshed and confident. "I think whether it's free haircuts or paid services, you have to do it with your heart, cut properly so that people feel happy," Bảo Ngọc shared while meticulously styling a client's hair. Recipients like Lê Viết Hồng, a 64-year-old security guard, expressed their gratitude, noting the boost in confidence from a neat haircut and the relief of having a meal provided. "It makes me feel more confident going to work. It even makes me look a little younger," he quipped. The program also distributes hearty meals, often including fruit, which residents like 56-year-old homemaker Thùy Liên take home for their families, significantly easing household expenses. "The meal is filling, with fruit too. I'll take it home for my husband and children to eat. Thanks to this, the family saves a considerable amount," she said. The initiative is described as a "double joy" for the community, offering not just material assistance but also a sense of togetherness and care.

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I think whether it's free haircuts or paid services, you have to do it with your heart, cut properly so that people feel happy.