For three decades, Nguyen Thanh Khoa, a 58-year-old resident of Binh Loi Trung ward in Ho Chi Minh City, has quietly carried out a deeply meaningful mission: providing free burial services for the poor and elderly people who have no one to care for them.

Over time, his work has earned the trust and affection of many vulnerable individuals, who often place their final arrangements in his hands long before their passing.

Khoa’s journey began in 1996, when he served as Vice Chairman of the Red Cross in District 3. During his visits to local communities, he encountered elderly people living alone, struggling with illness, and facing the prospect of dying without family support.

Moved by these experiences, he established a support program with three key goals: healthcare assistance, daily meals, and funeral arrangements for those in need.

To improve healthcare access, he purchased health insurance for the elderly and connected with private clinics to secure free medical check-ups. For minor illnesses, doctors were invited to provide treatment at home, while more serious cases were referred to hospitals.

He also mobilized nearby households to share meals with elderly neighbors living alone. Each family would set aside a portion of food during daily cooking. In addition, Khoa and his team provided monthly financial support ranging from VND500,000 to VND1,000,000 (US$20-40).

Alongside these efforts, he took on the responsibility of arranging free funerals. Over time, the program expanded to include not only the elderly but also other individuals facing financial hardship.

“When we do this work, we don’t set any criteria,” Khoa said. “Anyone in need will receive support. In matters of funerals, people only reach out when they truly have no other option.”

He explained that the service is divided into two forms. For cases where no formal funeral is held, his team covers all expenses, including the coffin, burial materials, funeral attire, incense, ceremonial staff, transport, cremation, and urn.

For families that organize funerals and receive condolence contributions, partial support is provided, covering items such as the coffin, preparation materials, hearse, and mourning attire. In these cases, families pay for cremation, often supported by state subsidies ranging from VND1,500,000 to VND3,000,000 (US$60-120).

A source of comfort in life’s final moments

To sustain the initiative, Khoa operates a funeral service business, using its revenue to fund free burials for those in need. On average, he supports around 10 cases each month, with costs ranging from VND15,000,000 to VND18,000,000 per case (US$600-730).

Over the years, his work has extended beyond individuals in need. Local authorities, organizations, and community groups now turn to him whenever there is a case requiring urgent support.

In an effort to expand the reach of his work, Khoa distributes vouchers for free coffins. These cards, given to elderly individuals living alone, include his contact details and serve as a form of reassurance.

“Those who receive the voucher only need to contact us when needed, and we will take care of everything,” he said.

He recalled that many elderly recipients expressed a sense of relief upon receiving the cards, knowing they would not face their final moments alone or without proper arrangements.

Some carefully laminate and keep the vouchers in their wallets, while others place enlarged copies by their bedside so that anyone present can contact Khoa when the time comes.

Witnessing this trust, he said, is deeply moving.

“It shows that our work has become a source of comfort and support for them in their final days,” he shared.

Determined to continue, Khoa hopes to turn the initiative into a lasting family tradition, ensuring that future generations will carry on the mission when he is no longer able to do so.

According to Pham Quoc Viet, Chairman of the Red Cross in Binh Loi Trung ward, Khoa has dedicated more than 30 years to providing free burial services for the poor and elderly.

He is currently supporting three elderly individuals in the ward for the rest of their lives, and across the former Binh Thanh district, around 20 people receive similar care.

In addition, he collaborates with the Red Cross and benefactors to maintain a free weekend meal program, serving food both on-site and delivering it to those unable to travel.

Ha Nguyen