Vine-shaded charity water tanks highlight Saigonese generosity
Sunday, March 17, 2024, 09:13 GMT+7
In Ho Chi Minh City, a church on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 1 has caught people's eye with a special corner that offers free filtered water and iced tea from tanks to help people beat the heat.
According to the parish priest of Saint Martin church, the decorative water tank corner has been in place for over a year.
Two tanks are prepared, with one containing filtered water and the other filled with refreshing iced tea.
To prevent the ice from melting quickly, a roof is installed above the iced tea tank.
Recently, a miniature display was added, both for decoration and to maintain the ice longer.
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| A motorbike ride-hailing drivers drinks from vine-shaded charity water tanks outside a church on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Hien Anh / Tuoi Tre |
After the Lunar New Year holiday last month, the water tanks received further embellishment with the roof adorned with winter melon vines.
Reusable cups have replaced single-use plastic glasses, promoting environmental sustainability.
Typically, the church provides 30-40 cups, sorted into two baskets, with one for clean cups and the other for used ones, ensuring there are always enough for everyone.
Each morning, the two tanks are prepared for gig workers, street vendors, students, and anyone else passing by.
In the evening, the tanks and cups are taken inside the church to be washed thoroughly for the next day.
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| Cups are sorted into two baskets, with one for clean cups and the other for used ones. Photo: Hien Anh / Tuoi Tre |
The priest expressed satisfaction in seeing people enjoy the refreshments and find respite from the heat.
“Observing numerous individuals enjoying refreshing beverages and finding additional shade from the sun not only warms my heart but also inspires me and many others to mull over more community initiatives,” he said.
Bui Duc Vu, a 34-year-old resident of Thu Duc City under Ho Chi Minh City, praised the delicious tea and appreciated the cost-saving aspect of having access to free water.
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| A motorbike ride-hailing drivers drinks from vine-shaded charity water tanks outside a church on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Hien Anh / Tuoi Tre |
Nguyen Hoang Ha Nam, 25, from District 6, admired the recent redecoration of the water tank corner.
“This water offering has been here for quite a while, but it’s recently been spruced up,” said Nam.
“Thanks to the makeover, it looks much more appealing and attractive.
“As you can see, many people have been drawn here to quench their thirst.
“The generosity of the people of Saigon [an old name of Ho Chi Minh City] is truly remarkable.”
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