The charity music night, "Warm Spring Love", was organized by the White Blouse - Singing for Love group in collaboration with Cho Ray Hospital on the evening of 25/1. On a simple stage in the hospital auditorium, the "singers" were doctors, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists from various medical units across Ho Chi Minh City. Temporarily stepping away from the pressures of surgery and medication, they performed songs about spring and human connection to alleviate the pain of illness. All funds raised will be dedicated to caring for disadvantaged patients requiring inpatient treatment at the hospital.

Medical professionals from various hospitals harmonize in the opening song, "Spring Reunion". Photo: Le Phuong

Doctor Pham Thanh Viet, Deputy Director of Cho Ray Hospital, stated that as a tertiary care facility, the hospital admits many critically ill patients facing severe financial hardship. He noted that the music night not only provides entertainment but also promotes social responsibility.

"The voices heard today are not just for listening, but for connecting, sharing, and warming the hearts of those facing many difficulties", Doctor Viet said.

Doctor Nguyen Minh Tien, Deputy Director of City Children's Hospital, who has been involved with the program for about four years, shared that despite his busy professional schedule, he makes an effort to participate in most performances. For him, this is a way to dedicate personal time and convey affection to patients through music.

A distinctive feature of White Blouse is its transparent financial principles and absolute voluntary spirit. Doctor Tien explained that all organizational costs, including sound, lighting, and rehearsals, are covered by the members' personal contributions. On average, each month, in addition to donating 2 million Vietnam dong to the patient fund, he contributes an extra 5-7 million Vietnam dong for operational expenses.

"We do not use any donated money for organizational purposes, ensuring that support reaches patients in its entirety", Doctor Tien affirmed.

Doctor Nguyen Minh Tien, Deputy Director of City Children's Hospital, sings "Every day I choose a joy" (Trinh Cong Son). Video: Le Phuong

Beyond the songs, the program also received support from distant colleagues. Doctor Le Thi Phuong Huyen, who previously worked at the Ho Chi Minh City Heart Institute and now resides abroad, brought back four self-painted artworks for auction. Having learned about the program through her old classmate, Doctor Le Thanh, a member of the organizing committee, this marks the second time Doctor Huyen has donated paintings, following five pieces previously. During the night, the paintings found new owners, adding over 60 million Vietnam dong to the collective fund.

Director Ton That Toan, who has accompanied the group since its inception, mentioned that White Blouse - Singing for Love was established in August 2016. The idea originated from the "Suspended Coffee" cultural practice in Venice, Italy, where people pay in advance for a coffee to be given to a less fortunate person later.

In Vietnam, Doctor Huynh Thanh Hien from Ho Chi Minh City Psychiatric Hospital, along with a group of medical professionals, adapted this concept, replacing the "cup of coffee" with meals, medicine, and hospital fees. Initially, the group contributed their own money to purchase meals, but realized this method struggled to create a sustainable funding source. From this, the idea of using music to connect the community emerged, primarily featuring performers from the medical field.

"Most people on stage are amateurs, but it is the white coat that generates great empathy from the community", Mr. Toan noted. In addition to the core medical staff, the program occasionally features free performances by artists like Quang Dung and Dam Vinh Hung.

Over nine years, the group has consistently held one music night each month, providing regular support to hospitals, psychiatric centers, and shelters with a monthly budget of 40-50 million Vietnam dong. Depending on the specific needs of each location, assistance may include meals, nutritional egg supplements, or hospital fees. The donated funds are transferred directly into the fund's bank account, and a list of contributions is publicized after each program.

A choir of Cho Ray Hospital medical professionals concludes the music night with the song "Angels in White Coats". Video: Minh Hien

Le Phuong