Nghiem Sy Vung: The man who sows love from life's pain

A miserable childhood and the will to rise up

“Living in life requires a heart/ For what do you know/ To let the wind take it away, to let the wind take it away…”. Those are the lyrics I heard when passing through Chuc Son town (Chuong My district, Hanoi) sung by members of the Ban Mai Xanh Volunteer Club to raise charity funds. What impressed me was the image of a man with a stout figure, dark skin and a smile always on his lips, singing while holding a charity box. When I approached to ask, I found out that his name was Nghiem Sy Vung, the Chairman of the Ban Mai Xanh Volunteer Club for the past 16 years.

Mr. Nghiem Sy Vung (standing on the right of the donation box) and members of the Ban Mai Xanh Charity Club busking to raise charity funds. Photo: DIEU HUYEN

Opening the conversation, Mr. Vung shared: “I am 40 years old, but I have been involved in volunteer trips for more than 20 years. I cannot remember how many unfortunate lives I have met, I only know that each trip brings unforgettable emotions. There are tears, smiles, words of encouragement, but also criticism, even suspicion, saying that we are taking advantage of charity. But for me and the members of the Ban Mai Xanh Volunteer Club, the greatest happiness is to share and help the less fortunate. No matter what difficulties or rumors there are, no one and nothing can stop us from continuing this meaningful journey."

 

Ban Mai Xanh Charity Club gives gifts to people in difficult circumstances in Hanoi. Photo provided by the character

Born and raised in a poor family in Tot Dong commune, Chuong My district, Hanoi, Nghiem Sy Vung's childhood was associated with meals mixed with potatoes and cassava. His parents' love story encountered many difficulties, his mother had to work hard alone, taking care of the lives of 2 children. Loving his mother, Vung worked early to earn money, went to school and helped his mother with all the housework. Looking at Vung's calloused hands, one can see how hard he has worked over the years.

Difficulties did not discourage him, on the contrary, they fueled his will to rise up. He studied well, worked hard, and became the pride of his family. He always kept in mind that: "Only knowledge can change your life and help others". From that thought, he was determined to pursue his education despite many hardships.

Mr. Nghiem Sy Vung cares for and encourages the less fortunate. Photo provided by the character

"When I was 19 years old, I was a first-year student at the Academy of Educational Management, and I didn't have a single penny in my pocket. At that time, a teacher gave me 100,000 VND, an amount that was so precious at that time. Moved with emotion, I silently promised her: "Whenever possible, I will help other people in need." That promise became the motivation for me to actively participate in volunteer activities of the Student Association . After leaving the lecture hall, although I was no longer attached to the Association, I continued my own volunteer journey, collecting each set of clothes and old items from the plains to send to children in the highlands," Mr. Vung confided, his eyes filled with tears as he recalled the memory.

Sow the seeds of love

What is more valuable is that Nghiem Sy Vung does not do charity work alone. In 2009, he founded the Ban Mai Xanh Charity Club, calling on friends, relatives, and colleagues to join hands to help the community. Initially, only a few close friends accompanied him on trips to collect clothes, instant noodles, and necessities for poor children in the highlands.

After each trip, the Ban Mai Xanh Volunteer Club has new members. Photo provided by the character

From the videos recording his volunteer journeys shared on his Facebook page, the stories of his trips have spread widely. Many people with the same kind heart have come to him, wishing to accompany him. After each trip, new members join. Up to now, the club has 16 core members, along with hundreds of volunteers and benefactors who are always ready to accompany.

To effectively call for charity, club members always go directly to the place and work with local authorities to verify difficult circumstances before starting to raise donations. Each charity campaign is carried out publicly and transparently, and the amount of each person's contribution is updated by Mr. Vung on Facebook and Zalo so that everyone knows clearly. The club only calls for the exact amount of money needed according to the plan, when it is enough, it will stop immediately and will not accept more.

Ban Mai Xanh Charity Club gives gifts to support families in difficult circumstances in Van Yen district, Yen Bai province. Photo provided by the character

Ms. Duong Thi Thuy, a member of the Ban Mai Xanh Volunteer Club, said: “Although he is busy with many jobs to earn a living, Mr. Vung is rarely absent from the club's activities. He is always proactive, not afraid of anything, from carrying donated goods, going to the market to buy food, to cooking with his sisters to cook charity meals. There were days when he had just recovered from illness, his voice was still hoarse, but he still tried to participate in fundraising busking sessions to cheer up and spread enthusiasm to everyone. It is Mr. Vung's dedication, perseverance and kindness that inspired and attracted us to be more committed and passionate about the charity journey for the unfortunate."

Along with trips to help people in difficult circumstances in Chuong My district, Mr. Vung also organized many trips in the capital, bringing love to patients at My Duc Mental Hospital; Center for care, nurturing and treatment of victims of Agent Orange/dioxin in Hanoi (Ba Vi); Social Protection Center II in Hanoi (Ung Hoa)... The club also traveled hundreds of kilometers to the flooded areas of Nghe An and Ha Tinh, giving relief gifts to people affected by natural disasters and to Dien Bien, Lai Chau, and Ha Giang to help poor students in the highland border areas.

Ban Mai Xanh Charity Club regularly organizes programs to help children in mountainous areas. Photo provided by the character

Just like that, love continues to love, for over 20 years, Mr. Nghiem Sy Vung has brought the warmth of humanity to thousands of children and poor people across the mountainous provinces, while also supporting practical gifts to help people in difficult circumstances in Hanoi.

Not only that, Mr. Vung and the members of the Ban Mai Xanh Charity Club also sponsor and provide monthly support to orphans, disabled children and lonely elderly people in Chuong My district, with a support level of 500,000 VND/person/month. The support amount is like a support, helping the less fortunate to ease their difficulties and have more faith in life.

What makes Nghiem Sy Vung happy is seeing the smiles of the less fortunate. Photo provided by the character

Nghiem Sy Vung’s tireless efforts have been recognized by the community and the government. He has been honored to receive many certificates of merit from local organizations, but for him, the greatest reward is the smiles of the lives he has helped. Every time he sees children’s eyes light up when receiving small gifts, every time he receives words of thanks from people who have been at the end of their rope, he is even more motivated to continue his journey.

Nghiem Sy Vung not only gave material things, he also transmitted faith and the will to live. Above all, Mr. Vung proved that no matter how difficult the starting point is, as long as there is compassion and the will to rise, each person can become a light of hope for others. He is a living proof of the saying: "Giving is forever".

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/cuoc-thi-nhung-tam-guong-binh-di-ma-cao-quy-lan-thu-16/nghiem-sy-vung-nguoi-gioi-yeu-thuong-tu-noi-dau-cuoc-doi-822278