Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel has donated VND1.5 billion (US$60,350) through Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper to aid residents affected by typhoon Yagi, which made landfall in the northern region in early September.

On Monday, Julian Wong, general manager at Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel, and representatives from Ocean Place Joint Venture Company, the owner of the hotel, visited the headquarters of the newspaper to make the donation.

As an international hospitality business, the company wishes to support local residents during times of crisis, especially with natural disasters, according to Wong. 

Yagi, the third storm to hit Vietnam this year, and subsequent heavy rains, floods, and landslides left 350 people dead or missing, wreaking havoc on many localities.

“Twenty-three years ago when I first traveled to Vietnam for work, I was introduced to Tuoi Tre, and have been following all of its initiatives,” Wong said.

“When the hotel decided to make a donation to aid Yagi-hit victims, Tuoi Tre was etched on my mind with absolute trust.”

The representatives of Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel and Ocean Place Joint Venture Company shared that they were proud of contributing to helping residents ride out the hardship in the wake of the super typhoon. 

Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, deputy editor-in-chief of Tuoi Tre, expressed gratitude for the company’s contribution, referring to various programs the newspaper has implemented to help rebuild the lives of those affected by the typhoon in northern Vietnam, with support from readers, businesses, and organizations.

Wong praised Tuoi Tre’s efforts to repair and build schools, emphasizing that the initiative was crucial in preventing students impacted by typhoon Yagi from dropping out of school.

He noted the recovery efforts were especially meaningful.

“We always pay much attention to education-driven activities, as schooling is a key foundation for development," he said.

"I hope that our donation and contributions from the public will help bring back students to schools as soon as possible and that students will always try to overcome the hardship."

Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel and Ocean Place Joint Venture Company join a series of community-driven programs, many of which were launched by Tuoi Tre, every year.

Last week, Kintetsu World Express Vietnam made a donation of VND55 million ($2,210) via Tuoi Tre to aid victims impacted by Yagi and the resultant floods.

The donation came from company employees and executives.

"Though the contribution is modest, it reflects the kindness of our staff toward the northern residents," said a representative of the company.

"We hope these small efforts will inspire and encourage those affected to overcome adversity and rebuild their lives."

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