Australian Ambassador to Việt Nam Andrew Goledzinowski (M) with President of AusCham Vietnam and VIFW Chairwoman Trang Lê, Ambassador for AusCham Charity Ball 2024, at the event held on Saturday night in HCM City. Photo courtesy of Multimedia JSC

The Australian Chamber of Commerce Vietnam raised over US$30,000 for its charity partners at the AusCham Charity Ball 2024 held on Saturday night in HCM City.

The annual event raised funds through auctioning of donated items. All proceeds from the auction go back to projects that change the lives of women and children in the most vulnerable communities in Việt Nam.

AusCham appointed Trang Lê, chairwoman of Việt Nam International Fashion Week (VIFW), as Ambassador for AusCham Charity Ball 2024.

Trang said, “It is my honour to accompany AusCham Vietnam in this meaningful event. To me, fashion is not only an art but also a language to connect, share and spread kindness. What is made from the heart will touch the heart."

Trang was awarded the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy in 2021 in recognition of her contribution to promoting and consolidating the reputation of Italy in Việt Nam in the fields of creativity, training, marketing, craftsmanship, fashion and culture.

Thanks to the support from last year’s charity ball, AusCham Vietnam and its partners, Heart Reach Australia and KOTO (Know One, Teach One), will help young Vietnamese women to attend school and get jobs.

Heart Reach Australia is a non-profit charity organisation committed to improving educational and medical facilities for current and future generations in Việt Nam. KOTO is a not-for-profit social enterprise helping at-risk and disadvantaged youth in Việt Nam gain Australian hospitality certificates. — VNS