Joy multiplied as gifts were handed out during the big Tet celebration featuring a communal banh chung wrapping event and a heartfelt send-off for those far from home, creating a warm and complete Tet filled with human kindness.
“Pepsi Brings Tet Home” Festival Unites Thousands to Make 3,000 Special Banh Chung
The power of community made the impossible happen with the “Bring Tet Home” campaign, which organized the first trips to send 3,000 struggling students and workers back to their hometowns for Tet. But it didn’t stop there. For the first time ever, the “Bring Tet Home” festival kicked off with a massive banh chung wrapping day involving thousands of locals.
Those perfectly square banh chung on every family’s table signal the arrival of spring, but these ones were extra special. Wrapped by thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds, each carried a message of thanks and hope for those dreaming of returning home after a tough year of hard work.
Each banh chung was wrapped with love by volunteer students, guests, and program leaders. Passersby eagerly joined in, excited to contribute, including foreigners trying their hand at wrapping. Thuy, 26, shared her spontaneous but meaningful experience: “I’m so happy my very first banh chung brought joy to a whole family. I wish everyone can reunite with their loved ones this Tet.” Mr. Thin, 65, enthusiastically taught young people how to wrap and said, “Nowadays you can just buy banh chung at the market, but homemade ones are special. Sharing them with those less fortunate makes it a thousand times more special.”
Nguyen Dinh Toan, Pepsi’s Deputy Marketing Director, said, “Even though I’ve wrapped banh chung before, this was the first time it moved me so deeply. Pepsi is proud to wrap these special banh chung to bring Tet home for students and workers who worked so hard this past year. We hope everyone has a warm Tet and gets to return home.”
Emotional Send-Off Ceremony for Those Far From Home
Following the banh chung wrapping day, a send-off ceremony for students and workers took place on February 1. What could have been another Tet spent away from home turned into a joyful reunion event. Putting aside the burdens of work, everyone eagerly awaited seeing their loved ones again after one year, five years, or even for the first time in many years.
21-year-old student Trinh Thi Ngan, who thought she wouldn’t get a ticket home, held a gift bag and banh chung from the festival and shared, “I thought I wouldn’t be able to go home this year, I didn’t even dare to dream. Now I just can’t wait to be with my family. I miss my mom’s cooking so much.”
The send-off took place at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports and pickup points in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The event featured special appearances by campaign ambassadors Wowy and Karik, who gave out gifts and shared the joy with everyone. Performances by singer Duc Phuc and rapper Lang LD added emotional and lively Tet vibes to the farewell.
For the First Time, Tet Truly Feels Like Coming Home
After a year full of challenges, 2021 marks a new chapter with precious “firsts.” For the first time in many years, those who’ve worked far from home got to return to their families. For the first time, the community saw the incredible power of collaboration between organizations and businesses. And for the first time after a tough year, people felt the warmth of human kindness and solidarity.
We hope Pepsi’s “Bring Tet Home” campaign continues to create more chances for Vietnamese families to reunite every Lunar New Year.
For program details, visit: http://MangTetvenha.DoanThanhnien.vn.
Join us in spreading love by sharing this info so reunion tickets reach those who deserve them through the “Bring Tet Home” program at: https://www.facebook.com/Pepsivietnam/photos/a.113436125455399/2188951464570511/
