Apec Group Project "Zero Cost Happy Supermarket" Dispenses Hope to Vietnam's Poor

HANOI,Vietnam,April 21,2020 -- Amidst the center of COVID-19,a special supermarket system initiated by ApecGroup has been opened across the country called "The Zero Cost Happy Supermarket" which provides essential goods to people from less well-off backgrounds to help them overcome the challenges they face in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

An 87-year-old woman makes her way to The Zero Cost Supermarket in Hanoi,on April 15,2020. (Photo by VnExpress/Tung Dinh)

According to the organization team,the model of Zero Cost Happy Supermarketincludes 3 main items: food,clothes and books.

Each customer participating in "Zero Cost shopping" will be allowed to choose 5 different products such as rice,egg,sugar,peanuts,fish sauce,salt,cooking oil,medicine,clothes,books,etc. not exceeding VND100,000 ($4.3) andextendedtwice per month.

After one week of operation Zero Cost Happy Supermarkethas helped over 10,000 disadvantaged people across the country. According to the program organizer,this model is continuing to be replicated. Up to now,Apec Group and its companions have opened 18 Zero Cost Happy Supermarket across the country (Hanoi,Lang Son,Bac Giang,Hai Duong,Thai Nguyen,Hue,Phu Yen,Quang Nam,Quang Tri,Hoa Binh,Ha Tinh,Yen Bai,Ninh Thuan,and Saigon) provide completely free food,necessities,etc. for people in difficult circumstances who need help,especially in the period of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Book has been on shelves of Zero Cost Happy Supermarket from the first days,however,a small number of people asked to borrow it. In reality,struggling with every meal,the rare time people spend "static" to read books is understandable. However,the organizers of Zero Cost Happy Supermarket still hold the belief that only books are the most sustainable help for the underprivileged people. Therefore,"Book sandwiches: Food warm hearts – Books change lives" program was born with that belief.

Every customer who comes to the book sandwich program will receive a "shopping for Zero Cost" including bread,German biscuit and any book. In particular,as long ascustomers have a love for books and have a crush on Vietnamese bread,any book always welcomes them. Every Saturday,customers only need to bring along with the old book they had selected before to exchange for new books and receive more cakes every 2 weeks.

Sharing about the project of Zero Cost Happy Supermarket,Mr. Pham Duy Hung,representative of Zero Cost Hanh Phuc Supermarket said: "COVID-19 has left heavy impact on society,it also brought us meaningful messages to realize deeply how lucky we are,and what each action at the moment means to those who have more difficulty than us. Happiness is sharing,and happiness is in each of us."

"We want to contribute a small effort to help and support people in the current difficult time. We hope to spread the messages of love and to create a shared and happy community together," Mr. Hung said.

Address of Zero Cost Happy Supermarket in Vietnam:

Hanoi: Tailgate of Grand Plaza Shopping Center,117 Tran Duy Hung,Cau Giay

Lang Son: 66 Le Dai Hanh,P.Vinh Trai St.,Lang Son City

Bac Giang: Aqua Park Project,Nguyen Van Cu Street,Bac Giang City

Hai Duong: 734 Le Thanh Nghi,Hai Tan Ward,Hai Duong City

Thai Nguyen: North-South T-junction,Gia Sang Ward,Thai Nguyen City

Thua Thien Hue: Urban Area Apec Royal Park Hue,Thuy Van,Huong Thuy,Hue City

Phu Yen: PG 1-18 Vincom Shophouse,Ward 7,Tuy Hoa City

TP Ho Chi Minh: Vinh Nghiem Pagoda,339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia,District 3,Ho Chi Minh City

Hoa Binh: 199 Hoang Van Thu street,Thịnh Lang Ward,TP. Peace

Yen Bai: Group 4,Tan An Ward,Nghia Lo Town,Yen Bai Province.

Quang Nam: Que Phu Cultural House 2; Que My Cultural House; Cultural house in Thang Binh District

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