The Mom of Bé Bắp Controversy: What Happened & How to Donate/Do Charity in Vietnam Responsibly

In recent days, the story of Mom of Bé Bắp calling for donations and the issue of financial transparency has captured the public’s attention. The case has sparked discussions about how fundraising should be managed to ensure transparency and accountability.

This has led many to wonder: How to donate/do charity in Vietnam the right way to ensure support reaches those who truly need it?

So, what exactly happened with Mom of Bé Bắp, and what are the key principles of responsible charity? Let’s dive into the details.

The Mom of Bé Bắp Controversy: What Happened & What It Means

Who is Mom of Bé Bắp (Mẹ bé Bắp)?

Lê Thị Thu Hòa is the mother of Bé Bắp (real name Minh Hải), a child diagnosed with leukemia. A single mother, she previously sold products online by live-streaming to raise money for her son’s treatment.

In mid-2024, TikToker Phạm Thoại came across her livestream from the hospital and decided to help.

Mom of Bé Bắp Livestreams for Sales

TikToker Phạm Thoại Calls for Donations

In November 2024, as Bé Bắp’s treatment would cost 6-7 billion VND, Phạm Thoại launched a donation campaign using his personal bank account.

The campaign gained massive public support, including contributions from many celebrities. In total, 16.7 billion VND was raised.

What Did Mom of Bé Bắp Say?

In February 2025, an old livestream of Thu Hòa resurfaced, in which she reacted controversially when asked about financial transparency.

Her response:

"Why do you need a financial statement? Do you need paper? (laughs) Some people are really ignorant, seriously."

This statement sparked mixed reactions. Some people questioned the accuracy of the donations, while others were unhappy with her attitude.

Rumors even began spreading that she misused the money for personal purposes. Under growing public pressure, she reduced her social media activity.

TikToker Phạm Thoại Publishes Financial Records

On the evening of February 25, 2025, Phạm Thoại and Thu Hòa held a nearly 4-hour livestream, publicly showing financial statements.

The actual amount received was over 14 billion VND, not 16.7 billion VND as initially reported.

Phạm Thoại confirmed that all funds were used for Bé Bắp’s treatment. Meanwhile, Thu Hòa denied the rumors and promised to provide full financial statements after the treatment is complete.

Public Reaction

The controversy surrounding Bé Bắp has sparked widespread debate in Vietnam.

Many believe that anyone calling for donations—especially celebrities or influencers—should ensure complete transparency when handling donated funds. This concern stems from previous charity scandals, which damaged public trust in personal fundraising efforts.

On the other hand, it’s undeniable that public support has played a crucial role in helping Bé Bắp receive proper treatment.

The debate continues about how to donate/do charity in Vietnam the right way. Many argue that trust in charity work can only be maintained when fundraisers take full responsibility for financial transparency.

As a result, people are now more cautious about personal fundraising campaigns and demand greater accountability from those soliciting donations.

How to Donate/Do Charity in Vietnam the Right Way

This incident has raised awareness about charity mismanagement and how to ensure donations reach the right people.

So, how to donate/do charity in Vietnam properly? Where should you contribute to ensure that funds are used correctly?

Types of Charity in Vietnam

• Direct Charity – Providing aid directly, such as donating food, covering medical expenses, or building homes for the needy. While effective, this requires proper organization to prevent waste and ensure fair distribution.
• Digital Charity – Using crowdfunding platforms or digital payment methods to support charitable causes. This method helps reach a wider audience and collect funds quickly.
• Charity Through Organizations – Donating to reputable charities with transparent financial management.
• Community-Based Charity – Supporting social projects like school renovations, infrastructure improvements, or clean water access.
• Educational Charity – Funding scholarships, providing school supplies, or supporting education programs for disadvantaged children.
• Fundraising Purchases – Buying products where a portion of the profits goes to charity. Example:
  • Cơm Có Thịt’s fundraising calendar for underprivileged children.
  • Handmade baked goods from HopeBox, a program supporting disadvantaged women.
• Empowerment Charity – Instead of only providing financial aid, this method offers skills training and job opportunities to help recipients become self-sufficient. Example: HopeBox trains and employs underprivileged women and children, giving them a sustainable livelihood.

>>> Read more: HopeBox Social Enterprise: Sweet Treats and Women's Empowerment

Regardless of the method, choosing a trustworthy organization is key to ensuring effective and ethical charity work.

Trò Nghèo Vùng Cao’s Fundraising Calendar (Fund for Underprivileged Students in Remote Areas)

Reputable Charity Organizations in Vietnam

To guarantee transparency and effectiveness, it’s best to contribute to established charities with clear accountability. Here are some reputable organizations in Vietnam:

1. Mái Ấm Hạnh Phúc Charity Fund

Founded on November 22, 2019, under Decision 1032/QĐ-BNV, this fund supports orphans, elderly people, and disadvantaged families, promoting community solidarity.

Quỹ từ thiện Mái Ấm Hạnh Phúc

2. Vietnam Fatherland Front

While not exclusively a charity, this socio-political organization plays a significant role in supporting victims of natural disasters, pandemics, and financial hardship.

3. Handicap International Vietnam

With over 22 years of service, this group assists people with disabilities, helping them integrate into society and improve their living conditions.

4. Vietnam Children's Protection Fund (BTTEVN)

Established in 1992, this is the state-run charity dedicated to children’s healthcare, education, and welfare.

Where to Donate for Sick Children’s Treatment?

Doctor Võ Thanh Phi, a TikTok medical influencer, has shared guidance on how to donate/do charity in Vietnam responsibly when supporting seriously ill children and infants in hospitals.

"Every children's hospital in Vietnam has a Social Work Department that manages donations and distributes them fairly to those in need."

For those who want to help infants and children undergoing serious medical treatment, donating directly through these hospital departments is one of the safest and most transparent options. This guarantees that funds go to families struggling with hospital expenses and children in urgent need of care.

While there are many meaningful ways to do charity in Vietnam, hospital donations specifically provide life-saving assistance to the youngest and most vulnerable patients, ensuring contributions make a real impact where it’s needed most.

Every hospical has its own Social Work Department (Image: Social Work Department at K Hospital)

Conclusion

Charity is a meaningful act, but it must be done transparently and effectively.

The Mom of Bé Bắp controversy highlights the importance of transparency in charity work. Choosing the right organizations and donation methods ensures that contributions reach those who truly need them.

We hope this article provides valuable insights on how to donate/do charity in Vietnam the right way.

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