A challenging year is about to end, with both gains and losses. Now, more than ever, is a particular time to reflect on gratitude and remember that it’s never too late to give back. Evergreen Labs is a social venture that embodies the value of giving back, whether it’s to the planet or to life itself. And this year’s “Give for Good” donation project for disadvantaged communities across Vietnam was born out of our desire to give back and pay it forward. We also need your helping hands so that together we can plant seeds of hope for a better new year.
Over the past six years, we have built four social enterprises, implemented over 25 projects, and spread our impact across seven countries. We have worked tirelessly so that each impact makes a positive difference in the world. In 2020, we donated 20 sets of tables and chairs made of ReForm Plastic’s recycled materials to eight primary schools in Quang Tri province, helping over 86 children to return to school after the catastrophic effects of the Central Vietnam climate disaster. This year, as the pandemic situation in Vietnam intensifies, we feel more compelled to scale up the “Give for Good” donation project to support more vulnerable communities. We are proud to support over 25 organizations across Vietnam, including schools, orphanages, nursing homes, and disability institutions in provinces like Dong Nai, Quang Nam, Da Nang, Thua Thien Hue, Quang Tri, Quang Binh, Ha Tinh, and Son La. We want to donate over 40,000 items, including tables and chairs, bookshelves, floor mats, and other supplies.
The majority of the schools on our list are in rural and mountainous areas and border areas, where ethnic minority students live and learn in deplorable conditions. In an open letter calling for support, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha – Principal of Huc Kindergarten, Huong Hoa district, Quang Tri province sincerely wrote: “The COVID-19 pandemic’s complicated developments had a big impact on children’s school attendance: some children were quarantined, others didn’t go to school because their unemployed parents couldn’t afford it… As a result, I’d want to express my gratitude to the organizations and philanthropists that devote both material and spiritual resources to helping children overcome obstacles to returning to school.” Many schools are asking some floor mats, slippers, or clothes to use during the chilly winter months, because “many students only have one warm coat; therefore they are afraid to wash it for fear of the coat not drying.”
Despite some supplies being donated by our partners, such as boards from ReForm Plastic for furniture, we need to cover furniture assembly costs and logistics costs to the end recipients. As many of the recipients are in rural, remote locations, it is crucial for us to have enough donations to cover these costs. Additionally, donations will be used to purchase other supplies or equipment requested by the recipients, such as school supplies, food, and so on. As a social enterprise, we will ensure 100% donations directly benefit the recipients, and the more donations received, the more disadvantaged communities will be supported.
We believe that even the smallest contribution can go a long way, and we never know how our small act will make a big difference in someone’s life. Our donations will support many kids in remote areas to return to school with delight, the lonely elderly to have a comfortable place to sleep in the harsh winter, and blind students to have new cabinets to store musical instruments.
Your contributions are much appreciated. Will you join us in planting a kindness seed for the new year?
