As Tet approached, everyone longed for moments of reunion and togetherness. But in Hoa Thinh commune, 'returning' held a different meaning: resuming normal life after a natural disaster. During the historic floods in mid-11/2025, Hoa Thinh was the most severely affected locality in Dak Lak province. It recorded 25 fatalities, accounting for nearly 40% of the province's total deaths. Additionally, 67 homes were swept away, numerous gardens were damaged, and livestock and poultry perished.

In times of adversity, Vietnamese people are always ready to share. Initially, aid poured in rapidly. However, after the initial surge came a quieter, more sustained effort: rebuilding homes, resuming daily activities, and keeping hearths burning not just for today but for the future. During this phase, the State and the Army played pivotal roles. The 'Quang Trung Campaign' was launched with the goal of both constructing new homes and repairing damaged ones, ensuring residents had stable housing before Tet.

Hoa Thinh residents were moved upon receiving their new homes. *Photo: Viet Hung*

The power of a sharing ecosystem

Responding to the 'Quang Trung Campaign,' new homes were rapidly constructed. Immediately afterward, the 'Connecting Warm Arms' project, originating from the 'Human Act Prize' award, emerged as a social connectivity model. Beyond short-term relief, the project served as an extended arm connecting the Army, local authorities, businesses, and the community during the recovery phase.

In addition to food, residents received gifts including: soap, laundry detergent, and personal care products. These items, though seemingly not urgent, marked the return to normal daily routines. Kitchens gradually came back to life, and new homes gained the warmth of daily living.

Colonel Dinh Van Hung, Political Commissar of the Dak Lak Provincial Military Command, stated that the unit acknowledged the partnership with Unilever Vietnam and the timely essential supplies that helped flood-affected residents overcome the consequences of the natural disaster, stabilize, and rebuild their lives. According to him, this support, combined with the armed forces, ensured a more complete Tet for the people, aiming for the goal that no one is left behind, thereby strengthening the "people's hearts posture" in the defense zone.

Many businesses joined hands to provide essential supplies, helping residents stabilize their lives. *Photo: Viet Hung*

The 'Connecting Warm Arms' ecosystem received support from many businesses. Unilever Vietnam mobilized resources, providing newly relocated residents with a range of personal and home care products. According to a Unilever representative, this support not only recreated clean living spaces but also boosted morale, helping residents quickly regain a peaceful rhythm of life after the event.

Ms. Le Thi Hong Nhi, Deputy General Director of Communications, External Relations, and Sustainable Development at Unilever Vietnam, commented that a sustainable future must be built on the peace of mind and well-being within each household. Through the project, the company hopes to alleviate some of the burden, helping residents return to daily life based on essential foundations of health and livelihoods.

Colonel Dinh Van Hung, Political Commissar of the Dak Lak Provincial Military Command, represented the giving of gifts to flood-affected residents. *Photo: Pham Quang Hung*

Tet: A new beginning in Hoa Thinh

To celebrate the Binh Ngo New Year, the "Spring in Military Region 5 Solidarity - Tet with Army-People Affection" program was organized in Hoa Thinh, the flood-stricken area. Policy beneficiary families, impoverished households, and those affected by the natural disaster received thousands of Tet gifts, shopped at '0 dong' stalls, wrapped banh chung (traditional sticky rice cakes), and received free haircuts. Many residents remarked that it was not merely a festival; the event ushered in a new phase where they could look forward to positive things instead of dwelling on losses.

An elder in his 70s from Hoa Thinh commune shared that thanks to the support from the military, local authorities, and philanthropists, his family now has a spacious home to celebrate Tet – something that seemed impossible after the floods.

Residents received essential supplies at their new homes. *Photo: Viet Hung*

Natural disasters and Tet will pass, but what remains is how the community recovers after adversity. The 'Quang Trung Campaign' built homes, while the 'Connecting Warm Arms' project helped restore the inner rhythm of life. When the State, armed forces, businesses, and people stand together, social welfare is no longer a short-term activity but an ongoing process.

Hieu Chau