Hi all,

My name is Trong Nguyen. I’m a Vietnamese Canadian that left Vietnam at the age of 1 due to the post-conflict realities of the war. Fast forward to 30 years later, while travelling back to Vietnam, I was lucky enough to meet my wife, Xuan (Spring). Through her family, now my family, I found a deeper connection to the place I was born. Spending time with them humbled me—watching people find joy and fulfillment with so few possessions reshaped my understanding of happiness. That experience also deepened my gratitude for Canada, and for the freedoms and privileges I am fortunate enough to have. This to me is something worth protecting.

Why I started this

The week of December 1st, 2025, what has been described by The New York Times as “Vietnam’s Year of Floods, Mud and Death” destroyed my home village, Thuan Hoa, Ham Thuan bac. A village so small that it isn’t even on the map, but not too small to help. The waters at its highest was 6m or more than 2 storeys high. My family and the villagers, who live by subsistence farming, have no way to support themselves for the foreseeable future, due to all their farm’s vegetation and livestock being lost during the record-breaking rainfalls.

To be separated from my wife and parents at this time has been incredibly difficult, but if anyone knows me, they know that I couldn’t sit still, so needed to channel this sense of grief and helplessness into action. Through talking to friends, I was reminded that I am not alone and that hopefully together we can do something about it.

How can you help

We’re asking for your support to help rebuild my home village of roughly 180 families – roughly 50 farms in need by providing essentials such as clean water, food, cooking fuel, and sustainable crops as they navigate this daunting chapter. To ensure the most immediate and maximum impact, we have planned the assistance in 3 stages:

Stage 1 : Essentials/Urgent Need

The first $1,000 will go toward immediate needs basic to survival, including clean water, food, and cooking fuel.

Stage 2 : Replanting/Short-term Growth

Funds beyond $1,000 and up to $5,000 will support short-term recovery through fast-growing crops such as papaya, banana, and corn, along with plowing and replanting. They can yield income within a year.

Stage 3 : Rebuilding/Sustained Growth

Any funds beyond our goal of $5,000 will contribute to long-term rebuilding – including slow-growing crops like jackfruit, guava, and coconut, as well as livestock for small-scale husbandry, such as chickens.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in helping my home village to rebuild and heal. If you don’t have the means to donate, please share this on your social media or with your friends and family.

Gratitude

We are endlessly grateful for your kindness, generosity, and support. Whether you donate – any amount even a few dollars goes a long way, share this link, or share words of encouragement you’re helping us move forward. Thank you for standing with us in our time of need. Together, we can help rebuild lives.

FAQ:

How will the money get to Vietnam?

I will be sending the monies direct to my wife using a trusted local business “Vitkit Travel and Transfers” out of Kitchener who charge roughly 3.6% transfer fee, and is far more cost effective than bank to bank or money order (western union)

Why is there a 7% administration and money transfer fee to Vietnam — and how much of donated funds will be used to support families in my home village.

GoFundMe automatically deducts a small amount from each donation. The donations munis this amount will be deposited into a TD Bank account that I will create for this cause. All fees including transfers equals roughly 7%, meaning for every dollar roughly $0.93 should be received on the ground in Vietnam.

Will all of my donation make it to the families in need?

My wife, along with the support of my family will ensure that all the funds are used towards the goals outlined in this fundraiser, and support those most in need within our village.

How / who will distribute the money?

Once receiving the funds from Canada, my wife will be responsible for exchanging the monies to Vietnamese Dong, and along with my family will purchase and distribute the essential supplies, providing seeds and seedling, or providing money to purchase plants and essentials for regrowth and rebuilding.