Starbucks Reserve store on Nha Tho Street, Ha Noi. — VNS Photo Mai Huong

Starbucks Vietnam kicked off two social community projects in the North this summer to strengthen its commitments to the local community.

One is in collaboration with Vietnamese social enterprise Tohe to create merchandise including string bags and pouches, which will be exclusively sold at all Starbucks stores in Viet Nam from this week. The pouch design, created by Ha Dinh Chi – also known as Nem – who was diagnosed with autism and Noonan syndrome, is a story of a boy conquering ocean adventures and fighting fierce creatures.

“It’s our pleasure to have Nem’s amazing work in this merchandise collaboration. Through his creations, Nem is indirectly helping other children who are in need, and we’re privileged to have the opportunity to be the bridge,” said Patricia Marques, general manager of Starbucks Vietnam.

Each pouch sold will contribute VND5,000 to the fund to build a playroom for ethnic minority children in Hoa Binh Province, which Starbucks Vietnam committed to fully sponsor the building. The art workshop is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year.

In addition, as a gift on Children's Day, the US coffeehouse chain teamed up with non-government organisation HealthBridge Canada and local social enterprise Think Playgrounds to build a playground for K7 K8 Thanh Cong collective quarters in Ha Noi. — VNS