45 crew members from His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal of the Royal Canadian Navy along with Canada’s ambassador to Vietnam, Shawn Steil, visited the "Tình Mẹ 2" (Mother's love 2) Charity Shelter in Binh Duong province on August 17, VNS reported.
"Tình Mẹ 2," a shelter for many orphans and young mothers that currently houses over 80 children, is located in Hung Dinh ward, Thuan An city.
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| Canadian sailors, wearing conical hats, renovate the shelter's vegetable garden. Source: Embassy of Canada in Vietnam |
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| Sailors till the dirt to grow vegetables. Source: Embassy of Canada in Vietnam |
The crew members and Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Steil have participated in many community service activities to support the shelter, including planting trees, repairing facilities, and sharing meals with the children.
This activity is part of a visit by His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal of the Royal Canadian Navy, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Travis Bain, along with 247 crew members, to Ho Chi Minh City from August 15 to 19.
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| Officers and sailors work together to improve the shelter's facilities, including building a playground, erecting fences and ensuring a clean, safe environment for the children. Source: Embassy of Canada in Vietnam |
Ambassador Steil thanked the Canadian companies for their support of the shelter. He also praised the nuns at the shelter for their dedication to caring for and supporting children without families. "Sailors come here to help. When many people join hands, the work progresses faster and many things can be done in a short time," said the diplomat.
"For me, this job is a bit difficult, but in return, it is very fun. I am proud to be able to contribute a little to the children," 29-year-old Catherine Chiasson shared.
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| Shawn Steil (left), Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam and the group helps renovate vegetable garden. Source: Embassy of Canada in Vietnam |
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| Inside, the children's playground is also lined with new tiles by the sailors. Source: Embassy of Canada in Vietnam |
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| The crew of the Royal Canadian Navy ship Montréal give gifts to the children at the shelter. Source: Embassy of Canada in Vietnam |
During the visit, the sailors also engage in community and cultural activities, including meeting students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in HCM City, learning to make bánh xèo (crispy pancake) at Ben Thanh Market, and participating in sports activities.
HMCS Montreal's first visit to Vietnam is part of Operation HORIZON, which aims to promote freedom, stability and a rules-based international order under Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy.
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| Children get to visit the vessel. Source: Embassy of Canada in Vietnam |
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| Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Science and Humanities' students learn about Canada’s engagement with Vietnam and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy with Ambassador Steil and Commander Travis Bain, Commanding Officer of HMCS Montréal. Source: Embassy of Canada in Vietnam |
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| Soccer between Canadian and Vietnamese navies. Source: Embassy of Canada in Vietnam |
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