(VNF) - A charity programme “Vietnam – Laos hearty meal” for poor patients took place in Laos’ Medical Hospital 103, Vientiane on August 14^th, as part of activities celebrating the Year of Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship.

Bang Long pagoda’s monks and Blue Star group present gift packages to poor patients in Laos’ Medical Hospital 103, Vientiane on August 14^th. (Photo: Bang Long pagoda Facebook page)

The first large-scale event, co-hosted by Bang Long pagoda, monks and nuns and Blue Star group, was also meant to respond to the Action Month for the Poor launched by the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction.

Over 1,000 free food servings and 100 bed covers were offered to patients under treatment.

Bang Long pagoda, part of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, was built by Most Venerable Thich To Lien and Vietnamese monks and nuns in Laos in 1942. It is one of the two largest Vietnamese pagodas in Vientiane where religious and cultural activities are held by Vietnamese Buddhist followers living in Vientiane.

Nowadays, the pagoda is still a spiritual house and a meeting venue for the Vietnamese working and living in Laos to maintain the bonds, mutual supports and together nourish the love for homeland./.

VNF