Timo support vulnerable people in the pandemic

The project named "Surround yourself with green hopes" – Zalo Connect allows people to transfer money quickly and conveniently via Timo digital bank. Transfers can be made with only a link (no account number necessary) that is being used on Zalo Connect to support people in difficulty.

Each "orange dot" is a cry for help on Zalo Connect

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a new tool on Zalo Connect permits people in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and Long An to seek emergency support from the community to request foods, medicine, essential goods, and quickly connect with doctors or medical professionals for remote consultation.

As social distancing measures continue to be extended and the transportation of goods on inter-district routes is limited, many donors choose to support their peers in difficulty with financial means.

Those joining the Zalo Connect community are moved to tears by seeing the number of people calling for help in their community. Each “orange dot” (indicating people lacking food or medicine) on Zalo Connect is a story of adversity and need.

It could be a lonely old man running out of food, a young couple with a child who has gone without milk for weeks, a student who could not return home before the social distancing and is trapped at home with no money, an unemployed worker who can no longer afford to pay rent, or an expecting young couple who cannot afford essentials.

The project "Surround yourself with green hopes" - Zalo Connect is among the Top 10 campaigns for the community to "shine the most during the pandemic season" according to YouNet Media report

As of September 9, nearly 40,000 people had joined Zalo Connect to support those in difficulty, with more than 100,000 orange dots turning green after receiving food and necessities. About 92 per cent of requests for help were for essential food such as rice, eggs, meat, fish, vegetables, milk, and bread, while the rest was for other necessities such as washing powder, toothpaste, electronic appliances, medicine, and healthcare advice.

Nguyen Vu is a resident in Tan Phu district of Ho Chi Minh City who had participated in Zalo Connect, said she was looking to support families with children or elderly relatives, as well as families with F0 cases being treated at home. She eventually chose a young couple in Binh Tan district.

“Via Zalo Connection, I saw a request from Le Nguyen who is living in a small inn with a 4-year old. Due to the pandemic, Le and her husband were jobless and ran out of money. I sent some money to Le to help them overcome the difficult time,” Nguyen said.

Thu Hong, a resident in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City said that in the past few days, besides practical and meaningful support activities such as fundraising, supporting, and empowering medical staff, doctors and volunteers, campaigns like "Surround yourself with green hopes" has helped spread positive messages and energy throughout social networks and the whole community to overcome the pandemic.

“The 'Surround yourself with green hopes' project has really brought together the community and spread the love, making both the needy and the helpers more optimistic and more connected,” Hong said.