Hanoi, Aug. 16 -- The fundraising programme themed "65 Years of Vietnam - Cuba Solidarity" had collected 249.9 billion VND (over 9.5 million USD) by noon on August 16, with more than 1.15 million contributions, nearly four times the set minimum target.

Nguyen Hai Anh, General Secretary and Vice President of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) - the body tasked with leading the national campaign - said that, immediately after the launching ceremony on August 13, millions of people had joined the effort.

Within just 48 hours, contributions were said to have exceeded 200% of the initial goal, surpassing 130 billion VND, reflecting the special place Cuba holds in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.

According to Anh, the VRCS Central Comm...