The Diocese of Cần Thơ opens two 'free supermarkets' for the poor

Basic necessities are available for families, disabled people and orphans impacted by COVID-19. Each beneficiary can get US$ 4.30 in goods per month. This is based on Pope Francis’s teaching on the “culture of care as a path to peace,” said Bishop Tri Bửu Thiên.

Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews) – The Diocese of Cần Thơ opened two supermarkets at the start of the month where the poor affected by the coronavirus pandemic can get basic necessities for free. One is in Sông Đốc parish, the other in Cái Tắc parish.

Vietnam is one of the countries that seems to have better managed the COVID-19 crisis. So far it has reported just over 1,500 cases, with 1,360 hospitalisations and 35 deaths. Despite this, many Vietnamese are facing hardships.

Volunteers run the two supermarkets, also known as “solidarity shops”, the most popular form of charity in Vietnam. The Diocese helps families in difficulty, orphans and people with disabilities.

The beneficiaries have a booklet where the products they receive each month are registered, mostly salt, sugar, rice, fish soup and cooking oil.

In Cái Tắc more than a hundred families get supplies from one supermarket; each booklet gives the right to get 100,000 dong (US$ 4.3) worth in goods per month.

Bishop Stêphanô Tri Bửu Thiên of Cần Thơ said that many Catholics face serious economic conditions, and this required some action.

“After talking with local priests, we decided to help those who need it most,” the prelate explained, based on Pope Francis’s teachings about the “culture of care as a path to peace”.

• vietnam
• cần thơ
• supermarkets
• solidarity shops
• culture of care
• catholic church
• pope francis
• stêphanô tri bửu thiên