Sabeco officially kicks off Rise with Vietnam campaign to accompany COVID-19 sufferers

Tran Kim Nga, a member of the management board of Sabeco, was the first runner

Bennett Neo, general director of Sabeco shared: “As a company with a history and heritage of nearly one and a half century, Sabeco recognises that it is our responsibility to stand side by side with Vietnam and support the Vietnamese people to fight against not only COVID-19 but also the severe impacts that the pandemic has caused.”

Kicking off 1,875km Heritage Run from Halong to Ho Chi Minh City

Immediately after the opening ceremony, Tran Kim Nga, a member of the management board of Sabeco, one of more than 150 selected runners, started the first run of the Heritage Relay. Each runner will carry the relay baton then pass it to the succeeding runner at the transition point of the Relay, which spans 1,875km from Halong to Ho Chi Minh City, symbolising Sabeco's birth year (1875) and honouring the spirit of rising with Vietnam during the past 145 years.

Following that, in Ho Chi Minh City, the relay baton will be transferred to the Runners representing the young generation to continue the 145km Future Relay from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho, reflecting Sabeco’s determination to continue its success for the next 145 years. Both Relays are continuous, representing the persistence and perseverance that is the core of Vietnamese traditions.

Speaking at the event, Vu Hong Son, the Authorized Chairman of Halong City People's Committee shared that the government has been implementing several measures to support workers to cope with the impact of the epidemic. He also applauded the support from Sabeco, who has been accompanying and supporting the government and the Vietnamese people through the meaningful Rise with Vietnam Relay.

The Rise with Vietnam Relay is joined by more than 150 runners coming from all walks of life, including government leaders as well as government officials in the provinces, where the Relay passes through. Several famous artists such as singer My Linh, rapper BigDaddy, and singer Pham Duc Tuan, will also participate and call for community support to raise funds. Their participation does not only demonstrate the government’s profound sympathy for the Vietnamese workers and support for the relay but also reflects notable traits of the Vietnamese people – compassion and empathy to overcome challenging periods.

The organisers are committed to deploying 24/7 support teams to assist the runners, ensuring safety during the whole relay.

150 runners participate in the campaign

The achievement made by the community’s solidarity

Discussing the purpose and significance of the programme, Tran Thanh Hai, Standing Vice Chairman of the VGCL added: "With Vietnamese people's discipline and unifying determination, I hope the relay will connect and empower us all to join hands to bring better lives for others. Especially, for our fellow workers who have been severely affected by the COVID-19, this programme will bring them a warmer and more blissful Tet 2020.”

So far, the Rise with Vietnam Relay has raised more than VND3.5 billion ($152,170), attracting more than 1,800 individuals andorganisations to directly support Vietnamese workers through the difficult times. The programme will continue to accept donations until the end of November 2020. Anyone can donate through the programme's payment gateway to support impressive runners or make an independent donation via the programme website. For more information, visit https://lencungvietnam.sabeco.com.vn/runners.

The donation raised during the campaign will be given to fellow workers who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Lunar New Year 2021 through the VGCL.