Markets warmed by human connection

On a day in mid-May 2026, Kéo village in Mường Phăng commune was more bustling than usual. From early morning, residents of Kéo, Ten, and Khơ Mú villages excitedly flocked to the “zero-VND market” held right in the center of the village. The stalls were neatly arranged with all kinds of essential necessities for daily life, such as rice, eggs, cooking oil, sugar, canned meat, confectionery, milk, and blankets.

That day’s market lacked the familiar sound of calculating money; there were only caring inquiries, gentle smiles, and eyes radiating joy from the people as they personally chose the items they needed. And everything was completely free.

Amidst that space deeply imbued with human connection, Lò Thị Ganh in Kéo village slowly selected each blanket, packet of instant noodles, and washing powder, then carefully placed them into a bag. The sunburnt, calloused hands of the highland woman gently smoothed the edge of the gift bag, her eyes shining with emotion: “My family is in difficult circumstances. Today, receiving the attention of the commune and benefactors, allowing us to freely choose the necessary items, I am very happy. It warms my heart so much.”

That rustic statement seemed to speak for so many people here. Because for them, the market is not simply a place to receive free gifts, but also a place to receive care, sharing, and faith in the good things in life.

The market was organized by the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Điện Biên province in coordination with the Mường Phăng commune People’s Committee for ethnic minorities in difficult circumstances in the area. The program distributed 350 gifts to poor households, policy families, and people facing hardships in Ten, Khơ Mú, and Kéo villages. Each gift consisted of more than 25 essential items along with cash support.

The atmosphere of the market became even more vibrant as children joyfully picked out sweets and milk cartons; the elderly cherished new blankets; and women carefully selected cooking oil and spice packets for family meals. The gifts, though not materially large, contained so much love and companionship from the community for the highland people who still face many shortages.

Amidst the mountains and forests, the “zero-VND market” was like a meeting of compassion. The givers sent love, and the receivers gained motivation to overcome difficulties and continue building their lives.

Extending markets of gratitude and affection

Over the past years, in many areas across the province, dozens of “zero-VND markets” have been organized, becoming social welfare activities rich in humanistic meaning. From the Red Cross, labor unions, youth unions, and women’s unions at all levels to volunteer groups, businesses, and kind-hearted individuals... everyone has joined hands to take care of the material and spiritual lives of the poor, policy families, and people in difficult circumstances.

Each market opened is another bridge connecting sharing hearts. The gifts handed directly to the people not only help ease immediate difficulties but also awaken the spirit of “the intact leaves protect the torn ones,” binding the community through love and protection.

In late December 2025, in Mường Phăng commune, the Protection Forest and Special-Use Forest Management Board under the Department of Agriculture and Environment coordinated with the commune People’s Committee to organize a zero-VND fair with the theme “Small Market - Great Affection.” Here, 146 households directly selected items for daily life and study, such as warm clothes, school supplies, necessities, and household items.

Amidst the chilly highland winter weather, new warm clothes, notebooks smelling of fresh paper, or a simple school bag suddenly became great joys for the children here. Some children hugged their gifts tightly to their chests, their eyes sparkling with eagerness, making many witnesses feel deeply touched.

Approaching the 2026 Bính Ngọ Lunar New Year, the provincial Red Cross organized the “zero-VND Tết Market,” distributing over 300 gifts to poor households and households in difficult circumstances in Na Son commune. Each gift included: Confectionery, soup powder, MSG, buckets, basins, mosquito nets, mats... worth VND 350,000, contributed by benefactors and generous donors. The program also organized free haircut activities, contributing to bringing joy and warmth to local residents.

Đặng Xuân Vịnh, Chairman of the provincial Red Cross, shared: With many meaningful and practical activities aimed at the poor and vulnerable groups, the “zero-VND Tết Market” program promptly supported people in difficulty. It simultaneously affirmed the role and responsibility of the Provincial Red Cross in social welfare work.

The true meaning of the “zero-VND markets” does not lie in the material value of the gifts, but in the sincere sharing imparted. It is the affection and care of the community for those still facing many difficulties; it is the spirit of solidarity and mutual love that is continuously cultivated and spread.

Not stopping at a mere volunteer activity, the “zero-VND markets,” when maintained and replicated, have become beautiful symbols of compassion and gratitude. From those simple things, the warmth of human love quietly spreads, and people’s hearts become more connected, overflowing with love.