Northern floods: When social responsibility is awakened

Severe floods in Thai Nguyen. (Photo: Nguyen Hoan)

During stormy days, as floodwaters rise in the Central and Northern mountainous regions, the entire nation turns its attention to these beloved areas with acts of sharing. More than ever, this is the time when the social responsibility of citizens, businesses, and celebrities is demonstrated, spreading the spirit of “the good leaves protect the worn-out leaves”, helping compatriots overcome natural disasters, losses, and stabilize their lives.

Hearts united towards the flood areas

Whenever storms hit, news of rising waters, broken dikes, and swept-away homes tighten the hearts of people across the country. The storm season – a season of pain but also a season of love, of sharing hands, kindness, and compassion.

On the roads, we see convoys carrying relief goods; boats braving waves to reach every village; from the close guidance of leaders to soldiers, citizens, entrepreneurs, and artists... all contributing a small part to alleviate damage, bringing comfort to compatriots.

Every flood season, we witness countless touching stories: An elderly person saving a small pension to send to flood victims; young groups staying up all night packing relief goods; children carefully wrapping school supplies and books to send to friends in mountainous areas where schools have collapsed due to heavy rain. It’s when we are moved by a disabled elderly beggar in Lam Dong donating 50,000 VND...

Amidst the myriad of beautiful images of the spirit “the good leaves protect the worn-out leaves”, a big question arises: How can these charitable hearts become an inherent social responsibility, not just a fleeting emotional moment, but a sustainable value in each person, each organization? Because charity, if nurtured by social responsibility, tied to ethics, culture, and sustainable development strategies, will create a long-lasting spreading power.

In recent years, many Vietnamese businesses have regarded charity not just as humanitarian activity, but as a commitment to accompany the community. They proactively allocate funds for social welfare, sponsor the construction of gratitude houses, support disaster-hit areas, and restore livelihoods post-storm. Many businesses have also implemented charitable programs to help people recreate a safer living environment after natural disasters.

These actions reflect a modern mindset about social responsibility when businesses focus on human values and community values. Especially in the most challenging times of natural disasters, that spirit shines even brighter.

In deeply flooded and remote areas, the Thai Nguyen provincial military continues to rescue the elderly and children to temporary shelters. (Photo: VNE)

Not only businesses, but celebrities are also becoming bridges spreading kindness. In the era of social media, celebrities have a significant influence; their calls can create a strong wave of support in just a few hours. Many artists, athletes, and content creators have stood up to raise funds, organize auctions, or directly visit flood zones to assist people. They not only bring gifts but also bring spiritual encouragement, helping people in disaster areas feel they are not left behind.

But with influence comes responsibility. Every action, every donation needs to be carried out with transparency, standards, and respect for the community’s trust. Because charity is not just about giving material goods but also preserving trust, creating societal sustainability. More than anyone, celebrities need to be aware that kindness only truly matters when done correctly, in the right place, at the right time, and from the heart.

Each person – A bridge of compassion

Charitable work will be truly effective when organized scientifically, with planning and coordination. In reality, in many localities, when the government, the Fatherland Front, organizations, and businesses join hands in coordination, social resources are used more reasonably, avoiding situations of excess, shortage, or waste in distribution.

Not stopping at emergency support, the important thing is to help people rebuild their lives, such as rebuilding roofs, restoring crops, and creating long-term livelihoods. A bag of rice can stave off hunger for a week, but a breeding cow, a vocational course can help people recover after a storm.

Charity, if viewed broadly, is an investment in the future of people, in trust, character, and societal sustainability. When every helping action is organized with responsibility, we are contributing to building a culture of compassion.

Not everyone can give large sums of money, but everyone can contribute in their own way. That is, sharing accurate information, spreading positive energy, donating within their means, or simply sending words of encouragement to those suffering from natural disasters and storms.

In modern society, charity is no longer limited to gift packages or car trips but extends to the digital space – where every share, every kind act can multiply the value of goodness. This has made the spirit of “loving others as oneself” enduring in the soul of each person.

Natural disasters may sweep away houses and assets but cannot sweep away compassion. The storm will pass, the floodwaters will recede, but human kindness will remain. Although challenges lie ahead, as long as the spirit of “sharing rice and clothes” continues, we will always have the strength to rise, together rebuilding lives, reviving the countryside that has just weathered the storm. On the journey through loss, social responsibility and compassion are always cherished in society...