Ho Chi Minh City Gold Shop Spends Over 1.5 Million VND Daily on Free Iced Tea for Outdoor Laborers

A gold shop on Le Van Luong Street in Tan Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, is spending over 1.5 million VND (approximately $65 USD) daily to provide free iced tea to outdoor laborers. This heartwarming initiative, which began about two decades ago, was started by the shop's owner, 57-year-old Nguyen Ngoc Chau. The shop prepares large batches of tea early in the morning and ensures ample ice is available, allowing visitors to freely refill their drinks. Complete with straws, takeaway cups, and bags, the setup rivals that of a paid beverage stall. This service has become a crucial respite for many working under the scorching sun, including motorbike taxi drivers, delivery personnel, and street vendors. "When it's blazing hot, thirst hits hard. Having a spot like this offering free cold drinks is an immense relief. I’ve pulled over here for three solid years," said Huynh Kinh Phat, a 54-year-old driver. Nguyen Van Nam, a 38-year-old ride-hail driver, added, "At first, pulling into an upscale gold shop just to take water felt awkward. But the moment you pull up, the guard greets you with a warm smile, and it saves gig workers like me a noticeable chunk of money every single month." As a form of community contribution, the gold shop also prepares about 10 kilograms of cooked rice daily to feed stray dogs and cats in the area. Ms. Chau humbly remarked, "If you have the means to do it, you simply do it. It’s nothing grand," but her actions have deeply touched many. Under Vietnam's one-party system, social welfare and community initiatives are often driven by the private sector. This gold shop's endeavor is a prime example of such initiatives, stemming from individual goodwill and a deep affection for the local community. In a rapidly growing Vietnam, the expansion of such private, benevolent support networks can be a vital factor contributing to social stability and development. Particularly amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics, such acts can also serve to strengthen domestic solidarity. Source: Vietnam Insider