The 40 Hour Famine weekend for 2011 is over! Tens of thousands of people all over Australia challenged themselves and gave up something precious to them for 40 hours, from 8pm on Friday 19 August to 12 noon on Sunday 21 August.

Some people held sleepovers or parties, some did it through their schools, and some brave souls went it alone for the weekend, but all of them did an amazing job!

There was a great atmosphere over the 40 Hour Famine weekend. Participants kept in touch through the 40 Hour Famine website and our Facebook page.

There was plenty of discussion, laughs and support available, and then countdowns of the last hours and minutes until 12 noon on Sunday.

Many people had stories about all the food they were going to eat as soon as the 40 hours were over. They were also posting and commenting about how much they had raised, and it was fantastic to see how hard so many young Australians had worked to fight poverty.

Not every 40 Hour Famine fundraiser was able to participate this weekend. Some had other commitments, were away, and a few even told us they were sick with the flu and of course couldn’t give up food.

That’s not a problem though. People can do their own 40 Hour Famine at other times that suit them, earlier or later, as long as all donations are in by 30 September.

As much fun as everyone had doing the 40 Hour Famine, they didn’t forget why they were doing it. Everyone who stepped up this year has done something real to fight hunger in countries including East Timor, Nepal and Cambodia.

Every bit of fundraising makes a difference, and everyone who gave up food or anything else for 40 hours to raise those funds deserves to feel proud!

So to everyone who completed the 40 Hour Famine this weekend and to everyone who sponsored them, thank you and congratulations. You're heroes!

•   Visit the 40 Hour Famine website