Established in June 2009, up to now Free Hugs Vietnam has reaped major success with the following activities:
- The Free Hugs Vietnam campaign
Initiated in 2004 by Juan Mann (Australia), the Free Hugs Campaign extended to more than 80 countries all over the world. The first campaign held by FHV in Vietnam 2007 drew the attention of nearly 1000 young people in 4 major cities: Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh, Hai Phong, Nha Trang; and received substantial support from the online community. Free Hugs – “Embrace the Heart, Share the Love” appeared on certain television channels like VTV1, VTV2, VTC6, … along with such important newspapers as VnExpress, Thanh Nien, Tuoi Tre, Vietnamnet, Hoa Hoc Tro, etc. - E-swimming
E-Swimming by Pi C&E is the swimming instruction program for those who are completely unable to swim, especially small children so that “Not any more children will drown”. The outstanding characteristic of this program is that children were taught to swim even before entering the pool. E-Swimming was mentioned on major channels of communication, including Khoa Hoc & Doi Song, Gia Dinh & Xa Hoi, The Gioi @, VTC News, aFamily, Vietnam Post Office, …. Free Hugs Vietnam promoted E-Swimming online and gave swimming sessions every Sunday in Ha Noi. - Partnering with HOW
Helping Orphans Worldwide – based in California, the US, is a non-profit organization committed to providing hope, health, and security to abused, abandoned, and neglected children living in the most deprived areas of Vietnam and Philippines. Free Hugs Vietnam was responsible for recruiting FHV members (online registration and interview) for the interpreting and assistant roles to help HOW with their charity programs in Vietnam, starting from September 25, 2009. - Nutritious meals for orphans
Many young people grow up to the material and mental comforts of life, whereas others are deprived of such privileges. In order to raise awareness of the community towards orphans – not just the superficial attention but specific steps taken on each aspect of their lives like nutrition, living and studying conditions, etc; Free Hugs Vietnam started the program “Nutritious meals for orphans” from August 09, 2009 with Huyen Trang Pagoda, 456/35 Huynh Tan Phat, District Nha Be, HCMC as the first location. - Full moon festival 2009
Nearly 100 Free Hugs Vietnam and Helping Orphans Worldwide volunteers gathered at the Cultural Center for the Youth (Ho Chi Minh City) and were divided into 2 groups, walking to various locations in the city centre like 23/9 Park, the Municipal Theater, Turtle Lake, Notre Dame Cathedral, Bến Thành Market, etc to give gifts (mooncakes, milk, and lanterns) to less unfortunate people, especially children. - Recruiting and training volunteers
Free Hugs Vietnam continually recruits and trains volunteers for all present and upcoming activities.
Benefits of being an FHVer
- Joining a young, dynamic, open, and talented Free Hugs Vietnam network.
- Having the opportunities to work with large volunteer organizations in the world, thereby interacting with international friends
- Developing soft skills
- Drilling linguistic capabilities
- A plus for extra-curricular activities in your personal profile
Requirements for registration as FHVers
- High school or university students, in the age range of 16-25
- Able to communicate in at least one foreign language
- Dynamic, committed, and enthusiastic
For the time being Free Hugs Vietnam just recruits members in HCMC and Ha Noi. In order to become an FHVer, please download the registration form, fill in all the required information & send it to linhmd@freehugsvietnam.com (if in Ha Noi), quang.luu@freehugsvietnam.com (if in Ho Chi Minh City) or registering online.