Bình Dương, February 13, 2004

Dear Mrs. Chantal Vothanh,

First, I would like to wish you and your team good health and prosperity.

Presently, I find myself in an extremely difficult situation. I had a truck accident that has left me without my 2 legs and a wound in my hand.  During the last 15 years, I've slaved away to feed my family but unfortunately, for the past 2 years, the wound in my hand has worsened and I cannot work anymore.  I have to stay home while my wife works in a  restaurant to provide for our small family.  Seeing us in this precarious financial situation, my sister was kind enough to let us stay with her to reduce our expenses.  Friends have told me about your association that works overseas to assist the needy.  I've asked a friend to send you this mail on my behalf.  I would like to ask you for a grant of 700,000 đồng VN (about $47 US) to open a stand of "bún riêu" at the market Thủ Dầu Một to feed my family.

I sincerely hope you will grant my request and thank you from the bottom of my heart.


Nguyễn Văn Hợi