Cubans moved by Vietnamese people’s charity to support their suffering brethren back home

The 33-year-old says: "I could not believe my eyes. It shows how much love they have for our country."

The money being raised is for buying medical supplies and other essential goods and carrying out sustainable development projects to help Cubans suffering from the embargo and natural disasters.

Yaxiel shared the news with a group of fellow Cubans and received similar reactions. Many expressed joy and called Vietnamese "kind and warmhearted brothers."

Yaxiel has been in HCMC since early 2024, making a living as a pianist in the Living Cuba band at Caravelle Saigon Hotel in District 1. He was born on Isla de la Juventud in western Cuba before moving to Havana. His family of over 20 people, including parents, siblings, grandparents and nieces and nephews, are struggling with shortages.

Power outages are the most pressing issue. Many areas go without electricity for more than a day, while in some provinces people get power for only two to three hours a day.

Food spoils without refrigeration, kitchens shut down and the lack of fans and air conditioning makes the heat unbearable, with elderly and children suffering the most. People queue for hours to buy basic necessities, and disputes erupt often.

The campaign launched by the Vietnam Red Cross during the 65th anniversary of Vietnam-Cuba relations has drawn the attention of the Cuban community in HCMC.

Yaxiel Dario Almaguer Laurente in District 1, HCMC. Photo by courtesy of Yaxiel

Yaxiel said it has around 100 members, with most working as musicians, dancers or English teachers.

"We come from different places and do different jobs, but we all grew up seeing Cubans and Vietnamese as brothers."

The two-month charity program, to run until October 16, achieved its minimum target of VND65 billion within 30 hours, and donations are still pouring in.

On social media, many expressed respect for the historic bond between Vietnam and Cuba. People recalled stories from wartime, medical cooperation and decades of mutual support. Images of President Fidel Castro’s historic declaration that "For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to shed its blood" and Cuba’s role in supplying vaccines during the pandemic inspire Vietnamese to contribute.

A Mastercard survey on Ethical Spending and Charitable Giving found that 78.5% of Vietnamese have donated to charity, the highest rate in the Asia-Pacific region, ahead of Thailand at 66.3% and Hong Kong at 60.2%.

Yurislandy Chacon Queralta plays music at a hotel in District 1, HCMC. Photo by courtesy of Yurislandy

Yurislandy Chacon Queralta, 36, has lived in Vietnam for 10 months. He says he always feels at home and has learned the spirit of support from Vietnamese people.

One day last May his motorbike broke down, and he had to wheel it along the road until strangers gathered to help. One man helped tow his bike more than seven kilometers to his house and refused payment.

"Helping strangers without asking for anything in return is how Vietnamese are," he says.

Yurislandy says his homeland is facing a fuel, food and energy crisis. Support from Vietnamese at this time will motivate and positively impact the community, he adds.

He sees many similarities between Cubans and Vietnamese, and believes the friendship built by Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Castro is alive to this day.

Martinez Vega Maikel, a Cuban who has lived in HCMC for nine years, says on his most recent visit home he saw shortages on a large scale. People lacked medicine, food and electricity, which was available for only a few hours a day. Schools were under-resourced, hospitals were in poor condition and the population was aging as young people emigrated.

"It pains to see my homeland in this state."

He considers Vietnam his second home, especially after marrying a Vietnamese woman in 2024. Once, when traffic police stopped him for a document check, they saw his Cuban passport, called him a brother, and hugged him.

His wife, Yen Nhi, 29, of Can Tho City read about the fundraising campaign and sent him the article. He said he was moved, adding that only brothers would help his people this way. "Vietnamese people’s support for Cuba fills me with gratitude."