The ‘Breathe Again’ campaign from the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) has now received donation commitments of more than US$150,000 from European enterprises and individuals.
The initiative was launched on 17 August to raise funds for essential medical equipment for Vietnam’s hard-pressed hospitals. In just ten days, European enterprises and individual investors have pledged to contribute over US$150,000 (3,417,375,000 VND) to purchase equipment to support Vietnam’s fight against the fourth wave of COVID-19.
The campaign aims to secure more significant donations in the coming weeks, and EuroCham hopes to raise an ambitious amount of US$500,000 to make a real difference to Vietnam’s fight against the pandemic. In that spirit, EuroCham will hold a webinar on Tuesday 7 September targeted at companies based in Europe to attract more high-level donors to the campaign.
So far, a ventilator has been delivered to Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, while a further three ventilators and two patient monitors will arrive at Becamex Hospital in Binh Duong province thanks to generous donations from Jardine Matheson; EZ Land; Bio; the Belgian ambassador to Vietnam, Paul Jansen; and the Honorary Consul of Belgium in HCMC, Gricha Safarian.
Over 30 European companies have made generous donations to the fund so far, totaling more than US$120,000 (2,733,900,000 VND). This includes BNP Paribas, Friesland Campina, DeHeus, BASF, Piaggio and AppleTree. Meanwhile, individual donors have contributed almost US$30,000 (683,475,000 VND).
EuroCham is working with suppliers in Vietnam to procure more medical equipment as soon as possible to ensure that the cash donated reaches frontline healthcare workers and their patients where it is needed most. The chamber is in regular contact with local hospitals to find out what kit is in greatest demand, and will then talk to medical device companies to source, deliver, and install it.
Companies or individuals wishing to make a donation to the ‘Breathe Again’ campaign can visit: www.breatheagain.fund or email breathe.again.fund@eurochamvn.org
Commenting on the ‘Breathe Again’ campaign, EuroCham Chairman Alain Cany said:
“I am proud that Europeans have donated more than $150,000 to support Vietnam in its fight against COVID-19 in just 10 days. This cash will make a real difference to those hard-pressed health professionals working around the clock to care for their patients and I would like to thank all those who have made such generous contributions to our campaign so far.
“However, while this is a promising start, it is not enough. The pandemic is affecting more and more communities as cases continue to rise and tragic deaths increase. The situation is urgent and the need is pressing, despite the best efforts of the authorities and the Vietnamese people. That means we need to redouble our efforts.
“Therefore, I encourage more companies and individuals to dig deep and contribute whatever they can afford. No amount is too little. Even small donations can make a big difference if we all join together. However, I am confident that we will soon secure even more impressive contributions from European companies who want to stand beside Vietnam during this fourth wave outbreak.”
