Happy Planet Children ran its first fundraiser in 2018 with the goal of raising $5,000 to benefit the Center for Innocent Children (Trường Khuyết Tật Bé Thơ) in Biên Hòa, Vietnam, which was founded in 1990 by Sister Maria Daniel Vu Thi Vinh.
Touched by the helplessness of a group of children who were abandoned by their families or orphaned, and the desperate situation they faced, Sister Maria Daniel Vinh found temporary housing and took them in. Wishing to provide them with opportunities for a happier, healthier, and more rewarding life, she provided them with shelter, sent them to school, and encouraged them to obtain a vocational education. Thus the Center for Innocent Children was born.
Happy Planet Children exceeded its 2018 goal and donated the proceeds of the fundraiser to Sister Maria on Christmas Day, along with sandwiches, milk, and one hundred pounds of candies! To all of our friends, colleagues, family, and generous souls who contributed to this fundraiser, "cảm ơn". Your willingness to help will make all the difference in the lives of these deserving children.
So who are these children? Meet Vu Nguyen Hong Ngoc and Vũ Thị Xuân Mai. There are no words to describe how blessed we feel for having met these loving children who given the opportunity will grow up to become remarkable adults and make the world a better place.
With the generosity and helping hands from donors like you, the Center has thrived for the past 28 years. Currently, the Center cares for abandoned newborns, children with disabilities, and orphans. Even though the Center has improved immensely from the temporary housing of the earlier days, the Center is stretched over its capacity. Between the limited resources, and the increasing demand for housing, food, education, and medical care, the Center has been struggling to keep taking care of the children.
To stay open and continue to provide the children with basic necessities, the Center is looking for your support. A one-dollar-a-day sponsorship would bestow a child with food, housing, and tuition. With enough support, the Center will be able to fulfill its mandate to provide the children with a decent childhood, an education, and a chance at a better life.
In addition to supporting the Center for Innocent Children, we will seek to provide assistance to two additional organizations in 2019. Gia Đình Thiên Phúc is an orphanage located in Củ Chi, and Nhà Đưỡng Lão Tình Thương is an old age home also located in Củ Chi, where the elderly residents have the profound kindness of children, and deserve our thanks and consideration.
February 5th marks the beginning of Tết, when Vietnamese people around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year. To our Vietnamese friends, "Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!" To all of our friends, colleagues, and family, we ask that you consider supporting this fundraiser. Your donation will make a small dent in the universe and a big impact in the lives of these deserving children and elderly.
100% of your donation will go to these organizations as the fundraiser organizers will personally cover the payment processing fees charged by GoFundMe for all online transactions ($0.30 per donation + 2.9%).
Please note that you will not be able to claim your donation as a tax-lowering gift - at least in the United States. This fundraiser is not eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions since it is not officially recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as having 501(c) (3) status. Hopefully, this won't stop you from making the world a better place!
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