Tate Papworth
The Vietnamese community has rallied behind its most vulnerable.
While essential services have continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many have been unable to utilise them.
Vietnamese Community in Australia: Victorian chapter deputy vice president Dinh Tran said his community was particularly vulnerable.
“We’ve has a number of members from the Vietnamese community asking us for help,” he said.
“Usually we help them out with things like translating, health issues, driving laws and medical information but that’s been a challenge with restrictions in place.”
“Even things like filling out forms and getting food has been a bit of a challenge for the older members of our community.
With a need identified, the Salvation Army and Vietnamese Community in Australia: Victorian chapter compiled a list of names and began working on care packages.
“We deliver to around 50 people, which takes several staff and volunteers to complete,” Mr Tran said.
“We meet at Sunshine, then allocate our drop off points, covering St Albans Deer park, Footscray, Flemington and other areas across the west.”
The packs include rice, noodles, milk hand sanitiser and other essential items.
“We did a drop off about three months ago and this one makes our second.
“We’re hoping it’s the last one we have to do and this thing is brought under control quickly,” Mr Tran said.
While hopeful the pandemic will end soon, Mr Tran encouraged anyone who needs support to contact the Vietnamese Community in Australia: Victorian chapter.
For more information visit: www.facebook.com/vcavictoria/
