"I couldn't believe my eyes. For Vietnamese people to donate 65 billion VND, equivalent to 2.5 million USD, in just 30 hours, they must have tremendous affection for Cuba," said 33-year-old Yaxiel Dario Almaguer Laurente.

He shared the news with his fellow Cubans in Ho Chi Minh City, receiving dozens of similar reactions. Everyone expressed joy, calling the Vietnamese "kind and warm-hearted brothers and sisters."

Yaxiel has lived in Ho Chi Minh City since early 2024. He's a pianist in the Living Cuba band at the Caravelle Saigon Hotel in District 1.

Recent conversations with his family in Cuba have revealed a tense situation. Born in Isla de la Juventud, a small island west of Cuba, Yaxiel later moved to Havana. His extended family of over 20 people, including his parents, three siblings, grandparents, and nieces and nephews, are facing extreme hardship and shortages. Electricity is the most pressing issue, with outages lasting over 24 hours in many areas. Some provinces only have electricity for two to three hours a day. Kitchens are silent, food spoils, and the lack of fans or air conditioning makes for stifling heat and restless nights. The elderly and children are suffering the most.

Yaxiel learned from relatives that the main cause is Cuba's aging power plants and fuel shortages. People struggle to buy food, queuing for essential items, while minor conflicts frequently erupt within the community.

The Vietnamese Red Cross Society's campaign to support Cuba, commemorating 65 years of Vietnam-Cuba relations, has captured the attention of the Cuban community in Ho Chi Minh City.

Yaxiel Dario Almaguer Laurente in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of the subject

Yaxiel Dario Almaguer Laurente in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of the subject

Yaxiel estimates there are about 100 Cubans in Ho Chi Minh City, mostly musicians, dancers, and some English teachers. "We come from different backgrounds and professions, but we share a common upbringing with the image of Cubans and Vietnamese as brothers and sisters," he said.

Wherever he goes in Vietnam, simply mentioning he's Cuban brings warmth and welcome. "Their humanitarian spirit is so strong, which explains the large donations in such a short time."

The campaign, running for 65 days from 13/8 to 16/10, aims to collect medical supplies, essential goods, and support sustainable development, helping Cuba overcome challenges posed by the pandemic, natural disasters, and the embargo. After just 30 hours, it reached its minimum target of 65 billion VND and continues to grow.

Online, many expressed appreciation for the historical relationship and deep affection between the two nations. People shared stories from the war, medical collaborations, and mutual support over the years. The image of Fidel Castro with his historic declaration, "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood," along with medical campaigns and Cuba's willingness to provide vaccines to Vietnam during the pandemic, have resonated with the Vietnamese, inspiring them to take action.

The Vietnamese people's united support for Cuba transcends material value, reflecting community spirit, social cohesion, and responsibility. It demonstrates compassion, empathy, and a noble internationalism.

A Mastercard survey on Ethical Spending and Charitable Giving revealed that 78.5% of Vietnamese have donated to charity, leading the Asia Pacific region and surpassing Thailand (66.3%) and Hong Kong (60.2%).

Yurislandy Chacon Queralta playing music at a hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of the subject

Yurislandy Chacon Queralta playing music at a hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of the subject

Yurislandy Chacon Queralta, 36, has lived in Vietnam for 10 months and feels at home, embracing the Vietnamese spirit of mutual support. In mid-May, when his motorbike broke down, strangers stopped to offer help. One man even towed his bike over 7 km to his home, refusing payment. "Helping strangers without expecting anything in return is a defining Vietnamese trait," he observed.

Yurislandy explained that his homeland is experiencing a fuel crisis, with shortages of food and energy. Vietnam's assistance is not only materially valuable but also provides motivation, positively impacting the community and addressing essential needs.

For Yurislandy, this exemplifies the "brotherhood" and enduring friendship between the two nations. He sees many similarities between Vietnamese and Cuban people. The deep friendship fostered by Ho Chi Minh and Fidel Castro endures to this day.

Martinez Vega Maikel, who has lived in Ho Chi Minh City for 9 years, witnessed widespread shortages during his most recent visit home. People lack medicine, food, and electricity, with only a few hours of power each day. Schools are under-resourced, hospitals are in poor condition, and Cuba's population is aging due to the ongoing emigration of young people.

"It pains me to see my homeland in this state," he shared. Maikel considers Vietnam his second home, especially after marrying a Vietnamese woman in late 2024.

He recalled an encounter with traffic police. Upon seeing his Cuban passport, the officers exclaimed, "We've been brothers for years," and embraced him warmly.

His wife, Yen Nhi, 29, from Thoi Lai District, Can Tho City, learned about the fundraising campaign and shared the news with Maikel. He was deeply touched, believing that only true brothers would help his people in this way.

"The Vietnamese support for Cuba fills me with gratitude," Maikel expressed.

Ngoc Ngan