Bông Thiện Lành: Kindness blooms within simple meal

May 7, 20243 min read

Hanoi, Vietnam – 3-4 times a week, Bông Thiện Lành charity group visits local hospitals to distribute free porridge - a small activity that warms the hearts of many patients there.

Bông Thiện Lành Facebook page (Source: Facebook)

Driven by a remarkable series of eight near-death experiences, Ms. Hà Thị Hạt established Bông Thiện Lành ("Flowers of Kindness"). This non-profit organization reflects her deep gratitude for a second chance and a powerful belief in the transformative power of good deeds. Bông Thiện Lành, named after her daughter, serves as a platform for Ms. Hạt to share her blessings and offer a helping hand to those in need.

Fueled by a conviction that kindness is "a gift that keeps on giving," the organization aims to uplift the lives of the less fortunate. Ms. Hạt believes these positive actions will ripple outward, enriching not only the recipients but also her family, including her beloved Bông, for generations to come.

Bông Thiện Lành group photo (Source: Facebook)

Bông Thiện Lành's primary activity revolves around organizing free porridge distribution for cancer patients in local hospitals. Their approach to helping others is marked by quiet humility and selflessness. Unlike many organizations that rely on public fundraising, Mrs. Hạt and her team primarily operate using their own savings and proceeds from selling homemade goods like Chưng cake and nut milk.

Volunteers are making Chung cake to raise funds (Photo taken by Ms. Hạt)

Chưng cakes made by Bông Thiện Lành’s team (Photo taken by Ms. Hạt)

Nut milk made by Bông Thiện Lành’s team (Photo taken by Ms. Hạt)

Besides, Mr. Dũng and Ms. Hạt also run a shop that sells nutritious porridge and nut milk as a source to support charitable activities.

Mr. Dũng and Ms. Hạt's shop (Source: Facebook)

Inside Mr. Dũng and Ms. Hạt's shop (Photo taken by Hồng Ngọc)

On May 4th, 2024, the IGO team had the privilege of witnessing Bông Thiện Lành's ("Flowers of Kindness") compassionate act of distributing free porridge to patients and their families at the Bệnh Viện Phổi Trung Ương (National Lung Hospital). Led by Ms. Hạt and her husband, along with dedicated volunteers, the initiative brought heartwarming smiles and nourishing sustenance to those in need. The aroma of freshly cooked porridge filled the air, mingling with the cheerful expressions of patients and hospital staff as they received the nourishing meal.

Mr. Dũng is preparing the porridge (Photo taken by Hồng Ngọc)

Volunteers are carrying the porridge to distribution place (Photo taken by Hồng Ngọc)

Porridge cooked by Ms. Hạt and her husband (Photo taken by Hồng Ngọc)

Mr. Dũng is preparing for the porridge distribution (Photo taken by Hồng Ngọc)

Ms. Hạt and volunteers are distributing porridge to patients (Photo taken by Hồng Ngọc)

Each bowl of porridge is carefully delivered to the patients' hands (Photo taken by Hồng Ngọc)

In an exclusive interview with IGO, Ms. Hạt shared her heartfelt emotions about the event. She expressed that the most rewarding feeling she has experienced throughout her years of service is simply happiness. She feels a sense of joy and fulfillment that is unparalleled.

Ms. Hạt and Mr. Dũng - founders of Bông Thiện Lành (Photo taken by Hồng Ngọc)

A hospital patient couldn't hold back their praise for Bông Thiện Lành. "The porridge was absolutely delicious," they beamed, "and the volunteers were so kind and thoughtful. Everyone here at the hospital is incredibly grateful to Bông Thiện Lành."

Another hospital patient expressed their gratitude for Bông Thiện Lành's compassionate act of providing free porridge. "Oh my, you all are so caring towards the patients," they remarked. "I've already had my share, and it was truly easy to eat, delicious, and very filling, especially for an elderly person like me."

The final ladle scraped the pot clean, leaving behind a trail of empty bowls and grateful smiles. As the sun dipped below the buildings, casting long shadows, a quiet peace settled over the hospital. It wasn't just about the food, but a gentle echo that would resonate long after the last drop of porridge was gone, leaving behind a blossoming flower garden of hope and dreams that would nourish hearts far beyond the hospital walls.

Ms. Hà Thị Hạt - a former student at Hanoi National University of Education, is now a lecturer. Bông Thiện Lành's journey began with her acts of personal charity. Driven by her desire to help others, she initially supported disadvantaged people independently. Recognizing the need for a more sustainable approach, she officially established Bông Thiện Lành as a non-profit organization in 2021. Besides, Ms. Hạt's commitment to her mission is amplified by the unwavering support of her family and especially her husband, who share her deep-seated belief in the transformative power of good deeds.