More than 300,000 Aussie teens will give up something that matters to them this weekend as World Vision’s 40 Hour Famine takes place around the country.
Food, furniture, technology and social media are just some of the things that young Australians will give up in order to raise awareness and funds for children living in poverty throughout the world.
This year, the 40 Hour Famine coincides with the 20 year anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide. Rwanda has made inspiring progress towards addressing the issues of poverty and hunger that affect its people. Money raised by young people through the 40 Hour Famine will help countries like Rwanda in their fight against poverty.
Currently in its 39th year, the 40 Hour Famine is inspiring participants to become increasingly creative in what they choose to give up. The use of sight, limbs and even the comforts of a house are just some of the more unusual things teenagers are choosing to sacrifice.
World Vision Australia’s chief executive, Tim Costello, said that as the 40 Hour Famine approached its 40th anniversary next year, it was great to see young Australians continue to be inspired to take action against poverty.
“After nearly 40 years, it’s heartening to see young people still motivated to tackle poverty and hunger head on by participating in the 40 Hour Famine,” Mr Costello said.
“Hunger remains the number one health risk in the world. In Rwanda up to 43 per cent of children under five years of age are chronically malnourished. This is why the 40 Hour Famine remains so important in helping to alleviate hunger and poverty,” Mr Costello said.
Australians – young and old – can get involved in the 40 Hour Famine by:
- Giving up something that is important to them for 40 hours such as food, technology, furniture or social media (8pm Friday 15 August to 12 noon Sunday 17 August)
- Sponsoring someone who is doing the 40 Hour Famine
- Joining the online conversation at facebook.com/WV40HourFamine or using #40HourFamine on Twitter. The 40 Hour Famine trends each year on Twitter during the 40 Hour Famine weekend.
- Visiting 40hourfamine.com.au for more information, to register and to donate
World Vision works with communities to tackle the causes of poverty through community education and awareness, emergency response and long-term development projects. Funds raised this year will go towards food security projects in Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, East Timor and Nepal.
Tim Costello’s pre-recorded video and radio news grabs are available upon request.
For media enquiries and to request an interview with someone participating in the 40 Hour Famine or a spokesperson in your state or territory contact:
Jessica Ciccotelli - 0402 971 225 - jessica.ciccotelli@worldvision.com.au