The 30/4 Park on Le Duan Road turns red as people arrive at 6am representing the Red Cross, HCM City government agencies and Techcombank.

At 7am, motorbikes clear the way for over 5000 walkers through the streets of District 1.

Chairwoman Pham Phuong Thao of the HCM City People’s Council waves a flag while Techcombank General Director Nguyen Duc Vinh fires a starting pistol to get the event underway.

The walk begins from Le Duan

Walkers take a turn into Ly Tu Trong Street including this young early riser and his mother.

Young walkers celebrate as they are about to reach the finish post.

Mrs Thao presents scholarships to mark the end of the walk. Some 700 children from SOS villages for orphans as well as disabled and disadvantaged kids in HCM City took part in a festival titled “Sharing Dreams of Childhood” following the walk.

The walk organisers cut a massive 15kg moon cake and present Mid-Autumn Festival gifts to disadvantaged children.

Mooncake for the child.

Hanoi also joins in as thousands participate.

Big smiles from mother and child.