Walking through the bustling streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and somewhere, at a few pho restaurants, you can see “hanging pho” signs with the message “Today there is… still…”. That is the humanity manifested through the WeTreo model – a community project that aims to connect the hearts of those who are capable, to help those less fortunate.
“Suspended meals not only fill the stomach but also provide spiritual support”
The idea of WeTreo comes from small eateries, where each “hanging” meal is not only a material help but also a symbol of sharing and solidarity.
WeTreo operates on a simple but profound principle: diners can pay for a meal and leave it for others, who can receive the meal for free.
Each restaurant participating in WeTreo has its own story, but they all share the same goal: to share and connect. For example, at the WeTreo pho restaurant on Bao Khanh Street, Hanoi, owned by Ms. Nguyen Thi Cat Le, the warmth comes not only from the hot bowl of pho but also from the smile of the recipient – a symbol of gratitude and hope.
Inspired by the above model, Mr. Nguyen Huy Bao implemented it at his shop – Cafe Hat (G4, lane 233, To Hieu, Dich Vong, Cau Giay, Hanoi). He said: “In the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, many disadvantaged people face countless difficulties in making a living. For them, the burden of life cannot be solved in just a day or two. The “hanging” meals not only help fill the stomach but also serve as a spiritual support, a reminder that kindness and sharing always exist.
Hanging rice and hanging pho represent the romance of humanity when the community joins hands, each contributing a little, to create good things. Free meals not only relieve hunger but also spread warmth, hope and belief in a brighter future.
This model is even more meaningful when it not only helps the disadvantaged to “fill their stomachs” but also aims to “fill their spirits”. A cup of coffee hung as a gift is an invitation for them to temporarily put aside their worries, take a moment of silence, sip to regain strength for the journey ahead. The shop only hopes to have hanging coffee every day, starting with one cup a day, then increasing to two cups, ten cups, to spread the spirit of sharing and humanity in the community.”
“If you want to hang a sign, be strong!”
The launch of WeTreo has received an enthusiastic response, spreading to many other restaurants across the country. From Tue An restaurant famous for its rice rolls and beef noodle soup on Bao Khanh street (Hanoi) , to coffee shops and bakeries – all can participate in this project.
During the Gala WeChoice Awards 2024, WeTreo was officially launched, by awarding the WeTreo signboard to pioneering shop owners. The signboard is not only a gratitude but also an expectation for the strong spread of the model and the solidarity of the community.
Speaking to launch WeTreo, Ms. Cat Le said: “What we do is just a message to all stores – if you want to hang a sign, be strong, the community will join hands with us. That joining hands will help many people with warm stomachs to have good jobs. And they themselves will also help people in more difficult situations, so that they believe that there are still many good things in this life. I just want pho treo and bun treo to be a happy stop for people in difficult situations, people who need the help of the community.”
Ms. Cat Le (standing in the middle). Photo: WeChoice
The “hanging” model is no longer limited to Hanoi but has expanded to many other localities. Up to now, 6 restaurants have registered to “hang” their dishes. Diners have many different options: in addition to rice and pho, there are also coffee, banh beo, banh nam… Each participating restaurant becomes part of the “sharing love” network, extending helping arms and spreading good values.
WeTreo not only demonstrates the power of solidarity but also creates a deep mark in Vietnam’s charitable culture. This model is proof that love and care are always the glue that binds the community. And behind each “hanging” meal is a story of sharing, of a Vietnam full of compassion and solidarity.
Source: Vietnam Insider