Ho Chi Minh City thrives not only as Vietnam’s economic hub but also as a beacon of community-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing social welfare and environmental sustainability. Several organizations and campaigns exemplify this spirit of collective action.
Ho Chi Minh City Child Welfare Association (HCWA)
Established over 30 years ago, the HCWA is a non-profit social organization dedicated to the education, protection, and care of the city’s children. Operating in accordance with Vietnamese law and under the guidance of the HCMC Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, HCWA has positively impacted over 300,000 disadvantaged children and adolescents. Their core values include equality, children’s rights, professionalism, sustainability, and commitment. The association’s mission is to contribute to the well-being of children through policy advocacy, capacity building, and social services, in collaboration with governmental bodies, other social organizations, and communities. Their main activities encompass providing care and education for at-risk children, partnering with NGOs and local authorities, supporting government initiatives, and conducting training programs for those working with disadvantaged children.
Spring Volunteer Campaign 2026
In January 2026, the Youth Union of Ho Chi Minh City launched the 18th annual Spring Volunteer Campaign. This initiative mobilized 171 youth union chapters from residential areas and military units, 13 chapters representing workers, 72 from schools, and 47 city-level clubs affiliated with the Vietnam Youth Federation’s municipal chapter. Volunteers engaged in activities such as blood donations, setting up charity booths, promoting digital literacy, removing illegal posters, and cleaning streets and alleys. The campaign targeted various locations, including hospitals, elder-care facilities, schools for special needs, social welfare centers, student dormitories, worker housing, train stations, and bus depots, reflecting the city’s commitment to community service and social responsibility.
Saigon Xanh Giving Circle
Saigon Xanh is an independent environmental volunteer organization founded in December 2022 by Nguyen Luong Ngoc. Recognized as one of the most dynamic and innovative community movements in Vietnam’s environmental protection sector, Saigon Xanh focuses on keeping Ho Chi Minh City’s canals clean, reducing plastic waste, and building a greener future through various cleanup projects. Their initiatives include installing floating barriers to collect waste, organizing volunteer cleaning sessions, recycling and education programs, innovative projects like creating boats from recycled materials, and community engagement through workshops and knowledge sharing.
Hopehealth Vietnam’s Trash Clean-Up
Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Hopehealth Vietnam organizes monthly trash clean-ups across the city and nearby rural areas like Bình Dương and Hố Nai. Their mission is to unite the community to create a cleaner, healthier Vietnam. These efforts are supported by local businesses, volunteers, and government partners, aiming to build a sustainable future for everyone. They welcome donations of cleaning supplies, refreshments, or transportation and invite individuals to join, sponsor, or host refill stations.
These initiatives highlight the vibrant community spirit in Ho Chi Minh City, where organizations and individuals collaborate to address social and environmental challenges, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable urban environment.