The Story of a Good Samaritan

Van Viet Truong, a 60-year-old grocery store owner, was known to everyone in Melbourne's Sunshine community as a kind, dedicated, and ever-smiling face. For almost 30 years, he ran his local grocery with his wife, rarely taking a day off and always offering his customers great service. He was the heart of his community.

Tragically, on a recent Saturday afternoon, Van's life was cut short when he saw a fellow shopkeeper being robbed and rushed to help. As he attempted to stop a group of youths from stealing from a neighboring clothing store, he was attacked. He suffered severe head injuries and sadly passed away in the hospital.

The youths involved, aged between 12 and 15, have been charged. But for us, this is not a story about them. It is a story about a man who gave his life for his neighbor. A man who, when faced with a choice between safety and doing the right thing, chose courage.

Those who knew him describe him as a very friendly and lovely man who always had time for a joke and a smile. A fellow trader in the area, who knew him for decades, remembered how they always looked out for each other. Van embodied the spirit of community, which is why he didn't hesitate to risk his own safety to protect his neighbor.

Your donation, no matter the size, will be a tribute to a man who proved that a life lived for others is a life that matters. It will show his family that the community he loved and protected is standing with them.

Van represents the best of the Asian community in Australia. He did not deserve to lose his life doing the right thing. Please share this campaign with anyone who believes in the power of community and kindness. Van Viet Truong was a hero. Let's honor his sacrifice.

I am not related to Van, but like most of us, I felt that something must be done to support his family in his honor. I will fly down at my own expense to Melbourne once this fund-raiser is over and deliver the funds to the family personally. I will post photos of myself and his family receiving the cheque once this is finished.

Thank you.