15/08/2026
FRIENDS OF NiA, episode 6
Today, we would like to introduce you to a friend of NiA who is very well-known here in our Cua Dai neighborhood—someone often regarded as a hero, a madman, or both at once...
He is Mr. Thuong Nguyen (66 yo).
You can follow and like the page we created for him and, like us, you can contribute funds to help him build his signs and posters, and/or come help him "Make Cua Dai Green Again." Please contact us if you want to get in touch (he doesn't speak English)🤝💚🇻🇳
His story: in 2015, Mr. Thuong Nguyen suffered a stroke that left his entire body paralyzed. Refusing to let illness defeat him, the old soldier struggled to teach himself how to stand, walk, and grip objects again. Each day, he strove to improve his health, little by little. His perseverance paid off and in 2016, when he regained movement in his legs, he began doing morning exercises.
"Seeing so much trash along my walking route, I came up with the idea of picking up litter while exercising to help protect the environment," Mr. Thuong shared. What started as a habit gradually turned into a daily routine. Concerned for his health, his wife and children tried repeatedly to dissuade him, but he refused to stop. For over 10 years now—barring times of illness and regardless of whether it is sunny or rainy—Mr. Thuong has never "skipped work." Wherever there is trash, his footsteps are sure to follow. Mr. Thuong’s day begins at 5:00 AM. While the city is still slumbering, the elderly veteran strenuously pushes his homemade cart, weaving through streets and along the coastline to pick up litter. He often visits the homes of elderly people living alone to help dispose of their trash or cleans up local schools for free.
"I only stay home if the weather changes and my old ailment flares up. On days I don't collect trash, I feel like something is missing—I get restless and bored," Mr. Thuong confided. "I pick up trash out of the goodness of my heart; seeing the streets clean and beautiful is reward enough. As long as I have the strength, I will keep contributing to ensure Hoi A remains clean, beautiful, and civilized in the eyes of visitors," Mr. Thuong said enthusiastically.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567629023782
Since 2016, Mr. Thuong Nguyen has volunteered to clean up the Hoi An neighborhood where he lives, Cua Dai. If you want to help him protect the environment, please contact us!
