Australia’s youth go without to fight global hunger

Friday, August 19, 2011

This weekend more than 300,000 young Australians are giving up something important to them for 40 hours such as food, technology, and transport, to help fight world hunger and poverty. 

The severe drought in East Africa that is affecting more than 13 million people is a timely reminder of just how many people need our help. 

World Vision CEO Tim Costello, who returned from East Africa this week, said the people there were facing one of the worst disasters to strike the continent in decades. 

“The failing rains have caused crops and livestock to die, and people to flee their homes in search of food and water,” Rev Costello said. 

“Returning from such an emotionally challenging trip it’s heartening to see the compassion and enthusiasm shown by thousands of young Australians participating in the 40 Hour Famine. 

“If you know someone participating in the 40 Hour Famine this weekend, please reward their efforts to go without and consider giving just that little bit more for the children that go without every day.” 

The 40 Hour Famine is one of Australia’s biggest community awareness and youth fundraising events that has inspired young people and their families to help break the cycle of poverty for the last 36 years. 

This year more than 5000 schools, churches and community groups are taking part in the 40 Hour Famine in addition to upwards of 20,000 individuals. 

World Vision National Youth Coordinator Daryl Brown said that by giving up something important to them for 40 hours, participants get a brief taste of what life is like for people living in poverty. 

“Individuals are getting creative in coming up with a range of items to give up and we have reports of people giving up not only food but also talking, use their limbs, the internet, furniture, sleeping, shopping, mobile phones, TV, video games, or a combination of things,” Mr Brown said. 

“In addition to learning about poverty, the 40 Hour Famine is a wonderful program that allows students to develop leadership skills. Students take on responsibility for fundraising at their schools and this year have organised a range of activities including concerts, sleepovers, movie nights, food stalls, coin drives and plain clothes days.” 

Money raised during the 40 Hour Famine will help World Vision respond to the current emergency in East Africa and support long-term projects in East Timor, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, Tanzania, and Kenya. The money is also used to raise awareness of global hunger among young people in Australia. 

World Vision is urging Australians to register and participate or donate to someone who has already signed up for the 40 Hour Famine. 

The 40 Hour Famine starts at 8pm Friday 19 August and ends at 12pm on Sunday 21 August 2011. To find out more, donate or to register visit www.40hourfamine.com 

Please contact: Janet Craven, World Vision Media Officer, 03 9287 2560 / 0407819347 janet.craven@worldvision.com.au

Media Releases, Poverty, Asia and the Pacific, 40 Hour Famine, Disaster relief, East Africa, Philanthropy, Tim Costello, World Vision, Young People

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