The Ao dai is a traditional attire that honours the beauty of Vietnamese women. However, not every woman can afford to buy one. With a desire to help disadvantaged women and to spread the value of the traditional dress, Doan Thi Nguyet has launched the Zero-dong Ao dai shop on International Day (March 8), 2022.

The shop receives used Ao Dai from donors, renews them, and then offers to needy women and girls across the country.

Recounting the Zero-dong Ao dai shop's formation, Nguyet said that when she was an owner of a shop specialising in making Ao dai, she met a customer who was a visually impaired girl.

"When the girl tried on the Ao dai I made, I found happiness on her face,” she said.

At that moment, she realised that the work she was doing could bring joy to others, she added.

So, Nguyet began making Ao dai for disabled children. She contacted schools for students with disabilities to survey the need to make suitable dresses. for them.

Nguyet's younger sister Doan Thi Truc Linh is working together with her in running the shop.

After receiving used clothing from donors, they repair, wash, classify them, and offer them to disadvantaged customers such as lottery ticket sellers or dishwashers.

Thuy Dung, a resident in Thu Duc city's Truong Tho ward, said even though the zero-dong ao dai, she feels warm and appreciated when coming to the shop.

All Ao dai at the shop look new and nice, Dung said, adding that the shop's owners give customers advice on which one is suitable for each customer.

Nguyet said that every set of Ao dai sent to the shop is carefully packaged, with detailed information, which carries the sender's love and appreciation.

She was moved to see old couples come the shop and donate their wedding dresses that have been kept carefully for years.

An interior designer offered the shop shelves and cabinets to display the beautiful traditional dresses.

The success of the “Zero-dong Ao dai” shop does not belong to her and her sister but to everyone who has made donations to the shop, Nguyet said.

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Source: VNA