As part of the Vietnam Big Build event organised by Habitat for Humanity, BIDV MetLife Life Insurance Company Limited (BIDV MetLife) joined more than 200 international volunteers from October 3 – 7 to build homes in Phu Tho Province.

MetLife Foundation is a Silver Sponsor, supporting the construction of three houses in the province. Volunteers from BIDV MetLife and BIDV began the building project, finishing the first stage of the construction after five days hard toil and handing the houses over to local people.

Other attendants at the construction event include representatives of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisation, People’s Aid Coordinating Committee and Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee; US Embassy; representatives from MetLife Foundation and Habitat for Humanity, as well as international volunteers from Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and the U.S.

Speaking at the event, Gaurav Sharma, CEO of BIDV MetLife noted “I am very impressed that within a short time, with the support of hundreds of volunteers, we have built these houses. These are not just houses for the families. They are a symbol of partnership between communities. They are a symbol of goodness that exists within each of the volunteers present here and in the background of the event. These houses are a symbol of hope and respectful living for the families who make them a home.”

MetLife Foundation has supported Habitat’s mission of building strong and stable communities for nearly 30 years. In 2013, MetLife Foundation became a global Habitat sponsor and, since then, has supported Habitat projects with MetLife volunteers building homes and revitalising community spaces in parts of Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Since 2013, MetLife Foundation has made four grants in Vietnam valued at over USD2.5 million that collectively hold the potential to impact 240,000 low-income households.