On the evening of 15/8, Tran Quang Tuan, 35, founder of the "Humans of Hanoi" community project with over 351,000 members, posted: "After 11 years of dedication, it's time for Humans of Hanoi to charge user fees".

Below the post, Tuan provided a MBBank account number (2022) and instructions to include "Support Cuba" in the transfer description. No one objected or questioned the post. The comments section quickly filled with screenshots of successful bank transfers.

"The Vietnam - Cuba friendship is very special. We wanted to draw attention with this unexpected fee announcement to spread the word and encourage support for Cuba," Tuan explained.

Tran Quang Tuan, 35, founder of the Facebook community project with over 351,000 members. Photo: Provided by the subject

Tran Quang Tuan, 35, founder of the Facebook community project with over 351,000 members. Photo: Provided by the subject

Similarly, Nguyen Trung Kien's post, "Charging 10,000 VND/year per person," in Yen Hoa ward, Hanoi, also attracted thousands of comments just two hours after being posted in online shopping groups with nearly one million members.

Kien explained that his action stemmed from the Vietnam Red Cross Society's fundraising campaign for the Cuban people, themed "65 years of Vietnam - Cuba solidarity". "Our nation's history owes Cuba a great deal; they were once willing to shed their blood for us. Now that Vietnam is in a better position, it's right to join hands and support them," he shared.

Instead of a typical call for donations, he used the "fee" announcement to grab attention, believing that when people saw "CUBA" as the transfer description, they would immediately understand the meaning.

"I'm truly happy and proud to see members enthusiastically responding by 'showing off' their transfer transactions," he said.

Nguyen Trung Kien, administrator of two online shopping groups with nearly one million members, posted a call to support Cuba. Photo: Provided by the subject

Nguyen Trung Kien, administrator of two online shopping groups with nearly one million members, posted a call to support Cuba. Photo: Provided by the subject

VnExpress observed on 15/8 that this trend quickly spread across social media. Hundreds of groups posted similar "fee" announcements, directing donations to the Vietnam Red Cross Society's account. Many people contributed more than the "required amount," adding playful comments like "I'd like to pay for three lifetimes in advance" or "There's never been a fee I've been so eager to pay extra for".

The Vietnam Red Cross Society launched the Cuba support program from 13/8 to 16/10. All donations are received through account number 2022 at MBBank, with the transfer description "CUBA". According to the Society, the program reached its minimum target of 65 billion VND just 30 hours after launch. As of 11 a.m. on 15/8, nearly 600,000 donations totaling 125 billion VND were received.

Commenting on this trend, Le Anh Tu, a lecturer in the Faculty of Public Relations and Communications at Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance (UEF), said it was a meaningful act, demonstrating the spirit of mutual support. However, Tu also noted that posts should clearly state the correct account information of the official receiving unit to ensure donations reach the right place. "People should only transfer money to the official fund of the Vietnam Red Cross Society's central committee and avoid unfamiliar accounts to prevent exploitation by malicious actors," he said.

Kien's post announcing "membership fees" in a group with over 500,000 members. Photo: Provided by the subject

Kien's post announcing "membership fees" in a group with over 500,000 members. Photo: Provided by the subject

Vietnam and Cuba established diplomatic relations in 1960. During the war, Cuba provided Vietnam with significant support. A historical milestone in the relationship between the two countries was Fidel Castro's visit to the liberated zone of Quang Tri in September 1973. There, he made the historic statement: "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its own blood".

Quynh Nga