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• When is the 40 Hour Famine weekend?

  The 40 Hour Famine weekend is 16-18 August 2013.

• Do I have to do the 40 Hour Famine on 16-18 August?

  No. Although the official 40 Hour Famine weekend starts at 8pm on Friday 16 August and finishes at noon on Sunday 18 August 2013, you can choose any other 40 hour period, as long as this is before 30 September 2013.

• What is the difference between being a 40 Hour Famine Team Leader, Team Member or Solo Participant (individual)?

  The key differences are:

  1. Team Leaders coordinate and help a team of people do the 40 Hour Famine.
  2. School and church team members take part under the guidance of a Team Leader and get a Famine Guide (school and church teams only).
  3. Members of community and friendship teams (other than school and church) don't need a Famine Guide and fundraise entirely online.
  4. Solo Participants (individuals) aren’t part of a team, don’t need a Famine Guide and fundraise entirely online.

• Where is the money going?

  The 40 Hour Famine is one of Australia’s biggest youth events, raising community awareness and much needed funds to help fight global hunger. This year, projects will be funded in Malawi, Ethiopia, East Timor, Nepal, Tanzania and Uganda.

  Sometimes there can be situations where we are not able to use funds raised for the projects that we originally intend or have to delay the use of funds, due to reasons outside of our control. If this occurs, we'll use funds raised through the 40 Hour Famine as needed for our work.

• What is World Vision going to do in Malawi with 40 Hour Famine funds?

  When you do the 40 Hour Famine, one of the projects you’ll be supporting will help families in Malawi to:  

  1. Diversify the crops they grow, so they are not so dependent on a single grain for food.
  2. Access seeds through a lending program, where farmers grow food using seeds supplied through the program and then give back some of the seeds from the successful crop so that other families can benefit.
  3. Plant fruit trees that are suited to the climate, like mangoes, and learn how to tend to the trees.
  4. Reduce child malnutrition by learning how to prepare nutritious meals using readily available ingredients.

  World Vision will also ensure that local farmers: 

  1. Learn about raising livestock like goats.
  2. Improve soil quality through simple methods, like planting pigeon peas and other “nitrogen-fixing” legumes that give nutrients back into the soil.
  3. Grow plants that will help hold the soil together to protect it from floods and conserve water.
  4. Include vulnerable children and people with disabilities in food-producing activities, so that they have better access to food and are included in their communities.

• You say $40 can help feed a family of six for a month. Is that really correct?

  The calculation, $40 can help feed a family of six for a month, is based on the total average of all 40 Hour Famine-funded projects in the following countries: Malawi, Ethiopia, East Timor, Nepal, Tanzania and Uganda.

• Does the money really get there?

  In 2012, 78.8 percent of World Vision funds were used in our field programs and advocacy work, 9.7 percent went to administration and 11.5 percent to fundraising. For more information about where World Vision funds come from and how funds are used, read Where the funds go.

• What is the age range to participate in the 40 Hour Famine?

  Anyone of any age can participate. However, if young children (under 12) are going without food please be aware that they should only go without for a maximum of 8 hours. Regardless of age, no participant should go without food for any length of time if they have a medical condition or if this would otherwise be detrimental to their health. If in any doubt, please consult your doctor before participating.

• What about the dangers of anorexia?

  The World Vision 40 Hour Famine is about raising money to help children who are denied their basic child rights and for participants to get a taste of what life's like for families in poverty. It’s not about losing weight.

  We are very concerned that participants do the 40 Hour Famine for the right reasons. All participants who are 15 years or under should speak to their parents or guardians before going without food.

  For more information, please see our health and safety guidelines on the Famine website. Regardless of age, no participant should go without food for any length of time if they have a medical condition or if this would otherwise be detrimental to their health. If in any doubt, please consult your doctor before participating.

  And remember, food is not the only thing participants can choose to give up. Go without something else that really matters to you. Visit 40hourfamine.com.au for ideas and tips.

• I want to apply to be a Youth Ambassador and have raised enough money, but I'm not 16 yet. Can I still apply?

  Anyone who is between 16-20 years old at the time of the Youth Ambassador study tour is eligible to apply. The 2014 study tour will take place in January 2014.

• What awards can I apply for when I know how much I’ve raised?

  All the details regarding awards can be found on the 40 Hour Famine website. The only way to apply for an award is through 40hourfamine.com.au by 30 September 2013. Follow the prompts.

• Do I have to give up food?

  No. Historically the 40 Hour Famine was about going without food to identify with the world's poor. However, now you can give up anything you think you'd struggle to go without, for example music, TV, technology (eg. phones, computers, video games), shoes, speaking, etc. The list is endless, be creative about it!

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• What is an online fundraising page?

  All participants registering to do the 40 Hour Famine need to create their own online fundraising page as part of the registration process. This will showcase their fundraising efforts and enable them to collect donations online.

  All teams and solo participants need to have their own online fundraising page to participate in the 40 Hour Famine.

  On your online fundraising page, you can:

  • upload your own picture;
  • watch your online donations grow and see who’s donated to you;
  • keep a record of how much you are raising to contribute to your total (or your team’s total); and
  • create your own 40 Hour Famine custom URL (eg. 40HF.com/myURL) to share with your family and friends on Facebook or via email.

• Who can have an online fundraising page?

  Online fundraising pages can only be created by people who have registered to do the 40 Hour Famine in 2013. If you are under 15 we recommend that you get your parents'/guardians' permission to participate.

• How do I create an online fundraising page?

  If you are participating in the 40 Hour Famine on your own (not as part of a team), you will be directed to create an online fundraising page as part of the registration process. If you're part of a team, don't forget to link your online fundraising page to your team's fundraising page. That way your fundraising will contribute to your team's overall results.

• Can I create more than one online fundraising page?

  Unless you are creating both a team and team member online fundraising page under your account, you can create only one online fundraising page.

• How do I find my online fundraising page on the 40 Hour Famine website?

  You can find your online fundraising page by:

  • using the "Search for friends" tool to search for yourself (remember if your online fundraising page is private it will not show up in search); or  
  • typing in your custom URL at 40hourfamine.com.au to access your online fundraising page directly. 

  You don’t have to log in to access your online fundraising page, but you must log in to edit it and add offline donations (church and school teams only).

• I’ve created my online fundraising page. Now, how do I edit it?

  Click on the "Login" button. Once you’ve logged in, you can edit your online fundraising page. You can still navigate through the rest of the site once you’re logged in. To get back to your online fundraising page in edit mode, click on the "Manage page" button located at the top of the page. Make sure you log out when you’ve finished.

• I've already created a team online fundraising page. Can I create my personal online fundraising page?

  Yes. Follow the prompts when you register online.

• I’ve already created my personal online fundraising page. Can I create my team’s online fundraising page?

  Yes, provided your team’s online fundraising page has not already been created.

  If you are going to be part of a school or church team, check with your teacher or youth leader to confirm whether or not your team's page has already been created. If not, log in to 40hourfamine.com.au, click "Register" and create your team's page.

• How do people donate to me through my online fundraising page?

  Send people the URL link to your page. You can do this via email, Facebook, twitter etc.

  They can donate by clicking on the "Donate" button once they are on your online fundraising page. Their donation will be reflected in your total, and they will receive an emailed receipt within five business days of their donation.

• I want to delete my online fundraising page. What do I do?

  Please use the "Contact us" form on the Famine webiste or call 13 32 40 if you want to delete your online fundraising page.

• I've forgotten my password to log in to my online fundraising page. What do I do?

  If you go to the login page on the website you can reset your password by clicking "reset password".

• I am doing the 40 Hour Famine as a member of a team. Can I create my own online fundraising page even though my Team Leader hasn’t created my team’s online fundraising page yet?

  Click on "Register" to create your online fundraising page. When your Team Leader has signed up, make sure that you link your page to your team's page.

• I've forgotten my username to log in to online fundraising page...

  It was emailed to you when you first signed up. If you can't find your email, please contact us at famine@worldvision.com.au or 13 32 40.

• I’m a team member and have created my online fundraising page, but my name is not listed on my team’s online fundraising page. Why?

  Check to make sure your online fundraising page is not set to private, and that you've linked it to your team's fundraising page.

• What is the purpose of an individual Famine ID?

  When you create an Online Fundraising page, you will be issued with a personal Famine ID. The reason we give you this ID is so that you can track your personal fundraising online. The Famine ID will also help us verify your application for an award and makes it easier for your friends and family to support your efforts.

  If you're part of a school or church team, the Famine ID (your personal/unique number) also becomes a part of your receipt number when you get cash/cheque donations - a unique number is a legal pre-requisite for your receipts.

• Can I create an online fundraising page that’s private or anonymous?

  Yes. When you create your online fundraising page, there is an option to mark it as private. If you tick this checkbox, your online fundraising page will not be searchable on the site. Others can only access it if you provide them with your unique online fundraising page URL.

  If you are a Team Member and you set your online fundraising page to private, your name will not show up on the Team Member list on your team’s online fundraising page (but your fundraising efforts will still be counted in your team’s total).

• Does everyone in the team need to have an online fundraising page?

  Yes. School and church team members need to add the unique Famine ID number they receive when they create their online fundraising page to the receipts in their Famine Book to validate them. If you don’t have an online fundraising page, your name won't appear on the Team Member list on your team's online fundraising page, and you won't be able to issue receipts (if you're part of a church or school team).

• How do I, or my friends, search for my online fundraising page?

  Use the "Search for friends" tool to search for an online fundraising page. You can search by name or by the organisation you belong to if you’re doing the 40 Hour Famine as part of a team.

  Private online fundraising pages do not appear in search results, so you can only access this if you use your unique fundraising page URL.

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• Can someone from overseas sponsor me?

  If a person makes a contribution from outside Australia on our website, it definitely counts as a donation for you if they have entered your Famine ID number correctly.

  We do need to inform you that the deduction will be in Australian dollars and there may be a currency conversion on their international credit card, depending on their financial institution. Please note, donors from overseas may not be able to claim a tax deduction.

• How do I donate if I don't have a credit card and wish to support somebody – or a team – doing the 40 Hour Famine?

  Ask a friend or family member to make the payment on your behalf using their credit card and give them the cash in return. Please note that the receipt will be issued to the credit card holder, but they won't be able to claim a tax deduction. You should keep your own record of the donation and how it was made if you want to claim a tax deduction.

• I made an online donation but I didn't receive the email with my receipt. Does this mean my donation didn't work?

  If you entered your correct email address when you were filling in your details, you should have received your receipt.

  Please use the "contact us" form on the Famine website or call us on 13 32 40 and we can check whether your donation was processed. We can also organise a duplicate receipt for your records.

• What do I do if someone wants to give me cash?

  If someone has a credit card and they are happy to make the payment online for you then you can collect the cash, give them the cash and they can make the one payment online.

  The thing to remember with this is that if people want to give you cash, they will not get a tax deductible receipt (unless you're part of a school or church team and have a Famine Guide (Receipt Book)). They will need to keep their own record of the donation and how it was made if they want to claim a tax deduction. A receipt for the online payment will be issued to the credit card holder via email within five working days of the donation.

  If you're a part of a school or church team, you will receive a Famine Guide (Receipt Book) and you can issue receipts for cash and cheque donations.

  For more information go to 40hourfamine.com.au.

  PLEASE NOTE, FAMINE GUIDES (RECEIPT BOOKS) ARE ONLY AVAILABLE FOR REGISTERED SCHOOL AND CHURCH TEAMS IN 2013.

• Can I use BPAY as a payment option?

  Yes. This year, World Vision has made it even easier to get donations from friends and family.

  When you register for the 40 Hour Famine online, follow the prompts and you will receive the BPAY biller code (199745). Just add your Famine ID as the unique customer reference number and pass on to potential supporters.

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• How do we send in the money raised?

  All donations can be received online.

  In addition, if you’re a team member from a registered school or church team, you can accept donations via cash or cheque and issue receipts from your Famine Guide. These donations MUST be given to your Team Leader for banking as soon as possible after you receive them. (If you are in WA, donations need to be received by World Vision within 14 days.) Or even better, give the cash to your parents and ask them to pay the money in online using their credit card.

  If you receive cash or cheques, remember to add this information to your online fundraising page, where it will show against your tally. Please note, however, that until your Team Leader deposits this money at the bank, it will not appear on your team’s online fundraising page.

  If you’re a Team Leader, please make sure you bank all cash and cheque donations; refer to your Team Leader's Kit for instructions. Remember, the more often you bank donations, the higher your team’s total amount will grow on your team’s online fundraising page.

• What are the cut-off dates for banking?

  30 September 2013 is the official deadline for all Team Leaders to have completed all banking and to have returned the Famine Guide/s and control sheet/s to World Vision Australia.

  The cut-off date for award applications is also 30 September 2013, so to ensure your team members are eligible for awards, banking needs to be completed by 30 September. However, if it is not possible to bank the funds by this date, we will still accept 40 Hour Famine funds but your team members won't be eligible for an award.

• Our school is now on holidays and the banking deadline is 30 September. Will students who are eligible for awards miss out if we send in the money and application forms after that date?

  It is best to bank the money that you have collected so far before 30 September, if that's possible.

  When school returns, please bank the rest ASAP. Students can apply for their awards themselves at 40hourfamine.com.au if they have raised the relevant amount ($125+, $250+ or $500+). The cut-off for award applications is 30 September 2013. We will still accept 40 Hour Famine funds after 30 September, but your team members might not be eligible to apply for a Famine award.

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• Previously I participated as part of a team of friends and we all received a Famine Guide (receipt book). Why aren't I getting one this year?

  World Vision Australia is making sure that participating in the 40 Hour Famine is easier than ever. Everything you need to know is now found online at 40hourfamine.com.au and once you create your team's online fundraising page you can keep track of what money you and your team have raised.

  Your donors receive a receipt through to their email inbox and you're notified. There is no messing about with collecting books, writing receipts and going to the bank - too easy!

  Also, the online format for Solo (individual) Participants simply allows World Vision to ensure that as much money as possible goes to where it’s needed most.

• I lost my Famine Guide. What do I do?

  School and church Team Leaders are issued with extra Famine Guides, so ask your Team Leader for another one. They will give you another one and record your lost Famine Guide on their control sheet that must be returned to World Vision.

  If you’ve already created your online fundraising page, you don’t need to make any changes to it. You can continue to receive donations with the online fundraising page you’ve set up. Please make sure you record your Famine ID number on the receipts in your new book.

• I want a Famine Guide (for church and school teams only). How do I get one?

  The only way to receive a Famine Guide is to be part of a school or church team. Once your teacher or youth leader has registered online at 40hourfamine.com.au they will receive a Famine Guide for each team member to issue receipts for cash and cheque donations (you can also ask people to donate online).

  For more information on how this works, please go to 40hourfamine.com.au. If you are not part of a school or church team, you won't receive a Famine Guide, so create your team's online fundraising page now at 40hourfamine.com.au.

• One of my team members has lost their Famine Guide. What should I do?

  You will have been issued with extra Famine Guides. Give your team member another one and record that they lost a guide on your control sheet. The control sheet and Famine Guide/s must be returned to World Vision for verification.

  If your team member has already created their online fundraising page, they don’t need to make any changes to this and can continue to receive donations via their online fundraising page. Make sure they record their Famine ID number on the receipts in their new book.

  To comply with our legal requirements, Famine Guides must be collected from team members once they’ve finished collecting donations after the 40 Hour Famine weekend. Once you have finalised banking donations, you can return the Famine Guides to World Vision to ensure that receipts are not misused.

• Why can't I have a Famine Guide if I'm a Solo (individual) Participant?

  In 2005, the 40 Hour Famine changed to an online format for solo participants to make it easier. You no longer have to carry a Famine Guide and return it to us. Everything is online – from collecting donations to applying for an award.

  Also, the online format for individual participants simply allows World Vision to ensure that as much money as possible goes to where it’s needed most.

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• How do I enter to win a new iPad?

  To enter our "I give up" competition, go to worldvision.com.au/giveup (competition details and terms and conditions can be found online).

• Why is World Vision giving away a new iPad? Where did you get it from?

  The new iPad being given away through the 40 Hour Famine online competition has been kindly donated by Channel 7.

• What do I have to do to enter the competition?

  1. Decide what you're giving up.
  2. Recreate our icons or create your own.
  3. Take a photo of you and your icon and upload it @worldvision.com.au/giveup.
  4. Tell us in 25 words or less what you are giving up and why.

• My family member works at World Vision Australia. Can I still participate?

  Unfortunately not, World Vision Australia staff and family are not permitted to enter this competition.

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• If I’m in a team, do we all have to give up the same thing?

  No. All participants can choose for themselves what they want to give up. It might be food, furniture or your mobile phone. For more ideas, visit 40hourfamine.com.au.

• I want to take over as my team's new leader. Can I do that?

  Yes, but we will need to speak to the previous Team Leader so that we can change your team details.

  If your team is from a school or church, you should use our Contact Us form on the Famine website or contact your World Vision State Office for assistance. State Office contact numbers are on the Team Leader's Kit folder.

  Otherwise, please ask your Team Leader to Contact Us or call us on 13 32 40 and we will make the change.

• I registered to be a Solo Participant, but now I want to be a Team Leader. What do I do?

  Email service@worldvision.com.au and we'll deactivate your solo participant registration.

• I registered to be a Team Leader for a school/church and received my pack, but I can't find anyone else who wants to do the 40 Hour Famine. What do I do?

  Send the complete 40 Hour Famine pack back to World Vision using the reply paid sticker provided in your Team Leader's Kit. Then go to 40hourfamine.com.au to register as a Solo Participant and create your online fundraising page.

• I need more Famine Guides. I am a Team Leader for a school/church team. How do I get more guides?

  If you are the leader of a school or church team, email service@worldvision.com.au and let us know the name of your Famine team, your online fundraising page ID number and your address details and we'll send some out to you.

• I am a Team Leader and I need to return my Famine kit and/or books, but I have lost the address sticker. Where should I send it to?

  Send it to World Vision: PO Box 401, Mount Waverley, Victoria, 3149.

• I am a Team Leader and I have lost my banking deposit slip. What do I do?

  If you are part of a school or church, please contact your local World Vision State Office. You can also make a credit card payment at the Team Leader pay-in section of the Donation page on 40hourfamine.com.au.

• I am a Team Leader and I need some more resources, such as a DVD, posters, control sheets, etc. What should I do?

  Please email service@worldvision.com.au with this request

• What if one of my team members wants to leave the team?

  Please email our team at famine@worldvision.com.au and we can help you.

• I'm a Team Leader for a school/church team how do I bank the cash funds raised by my team?

  There are three ways to bank your team's cash:

  • get your team to collect their donations online;
  • collect your team's cash, deposit it in your school/church bank account and use BPAY; or
  • bank the donations at any ANZ bank using the individualised deposit slip found in your Team Leader's Kit.

  
  

• Are Team Leaders and team members the same as Group Leaders and group members?

  Yes. We recognise that you're more of a team than a group - you're working together to create real change for the people of Malawi and other communities affected by chronic hunger.

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• As a Solo (individual) Participant can I send in a cheque? Or can someone sponsor me with a cheque?

  No. We can only accept online donations for Solo (individual) Participants.

• Why is the 40 Hour Famine internet-based for solo participants?

  In 2005, the 40 Hour Famine changed to an online format for individual participants to make it easier. You no longer have to carry a Famine Guide and return it to us. Everything is online – from collecting donations to applying for an award.

  Also, the online format for solo (individual) participants simply allows World Vision to ensure that as much money as possible goes to where it’s needed most.

• What's the difference between a Solo and an Individual Participant?

  To ensure that there is no confusion, when you're participating in the 40 Hour Famine by yourself, we'll now refer to you as a "Solo Participant", not an "Individual Participant".

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• Are there Bible studies available and how can I make this part of my church?

  Visit the downloads section of 40hourfamine.com.au. You can use the Bible study resources and children’s unit to learn more about God’s heart for the poor and how we can put God’s teaching into practice by participating in the 40 Hour Famine. 

  Here are some other ways you can get your church involved in the 40 Hour Famine.

  • Put up 40 Hour Famine posters in key areas around your church, such as on the noticeboard or near the coffee table.
  • Design a flyer or write a story about your knowledge/experience of global hunger and reasons for supporting the 40 Hour Famine and include this in your church’s weekly bulletin or newsletter.
  • Set up a table in the church foyer where participants can talk to people about the 40 Hour Famine and ask for support.
  • Do a short presentation during your church service
  • Show the DVD clip from the 40 Hour Famine USB, explain why you are involved and how people can participate.

• Can I get someone to chat to my church about the 40 Hour Famine?

  World Vision has some very gifted speakers available to share at one of your services or events. They can speak on a variety of topics that will encourage your church family to seek the heart of God by addressing the topic of seeking justice in our world.

  Speakers can also encourage your church to get involved in the 40 Hour Famine and we have some excellent DVD clips that will challenge and encourage your church.

  Email church@worldvision.com.au to find out whether World Vision can provide a speaker for your church or youth group, or for help with other fundraising ideas.

• Is World Vision Australia a Christian organisation?

  Yes. In fact our first organisational value states “We are Christian”.

  The values of World Vision Australia are at the core of all that we do as an organisation. Our commitment to applying our values to the way we work makes us unique amongst other similar international aid and development organisations.

  The World Vision International Partnership provides us with a document to measure our adherence to the organisation's values and associated behaviours.

  That document states that “We acknowledge one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In Jesus Christ the love, mercy and grace of God are made known to us and all people. From this overflowing abundance of God's love we find our call to ministry.

  We proclaim together, "Jesus lived, died, and rose again.  Jesus is Lord." We desire him to be central in our individual and corporate life.