Locals in Bình Thuận share love and hardship with expatriates

BÌNH THUẬN — Foreigners who are living within blockaded areas in Phan Thiết City in the central province of Bình Thuận have received support from local authorities via the Sharing Our Love with Foreigners programme.

The programme, launched and implemented by the Provincial Youth Union, presented gifts and money to 36 foreigners who have lost their jobs or been living in difficulties due to the effects of the pandemic.

Help was given to those living in Alley 69, Quarter 1, Hàm Tiến Ward in Phan Thiết City.

Each of them received a set of gifts including money, food and other necessities such as eggs, sausages, canned meat, bread and dumplings. The value of each set is VNĐ1 million (US$44).

According to Acting Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union Lâm Hồng Tuyên, the pandemic has caused hardship to local-based foreigners, many of whom have lost their jobs while still having to manage daily living expenses.

“The monetary value of the gifts might not be high, but it contains the affection and support of Bình Thuận people to the foreigners with the hope that they will have more strength and encouragement to get over this difficult time,” he said.

After 17 people in a family and three foreigners were infected with COVID-19, the entire Alley 69, Quarter 1 with over 70 households and more than 300 people was closed on August 2.

Among them are 52 foreigners from different countries like Russia, Ukraine and the Philippines. They work as English teachers, windsurfing instructors, kitchen assistants, or waiters have been stuck in the city for two years due to the pandemic. They have faced more difficulties as they are unable to go out due to social-distancing measures.

Agencies