This weekend around 300,000 young Australians are taking part in the 40 Hour Famine making it one of Australia’s biggest youth events.
Now in its 37th year, the 40 Hour Famine continues to inspire a new generation of young people to help break the cycle of poverty.
World Vision Australia chief executive, Tim Costello, said he was inspired by the leadership shown by many of the students participating in the 40 Hour Famine this year.
“At a time when the mood in Australia sometimes drifts towards pessimism and apathy, young Australians are taking the lead. I am constantly heartened by their enthusiasm, commitment and knowledge about global poverty,” Mr Costello said.
“By participating in the 40 Hour Famine, young people are proving they’re motivated and aware and want to do something real to fight hunger.”
Participants are raising money by giving up something that matters to them for 40 hours – it doesn’t have to be food, some are giving up their beds, mobile phones, electricity, talking or Facebook.
40 Hour Famine campaign manager, Jon Soderlund said this year the 40 Hour Famine had focused on social media to reach its participants.
“Teenagers prefer to get their information online and from social media and so we’ve made these channels one of our main ways of communicating with 40 Hour Famine participants,” Mr Soderlund said.
“We now have more than 183,000 likes on Facebook and around 15,000 people actively engaging with us about ways to overcome poverty.
“Many teenagers tell us they can’t cope without their mobile phones and social media – which makes it all the more meaningful when they commit to giving it up for the 40 hours.”
The focus country for this year’s 40 Hour Famine campaign is Ethiopia. Ranked 174 out of 187 on the Human Development Index 2011, Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world. More than 70 percent of Ethiopia’s population live in severe poverty and much of the country has been affected by an ongoing drought in the Horn of Africa.
The 40 Hour Famine begins at 8pm on Friday 17 August and ends at 12pm Sunday 19 August. If you’d like to support someone doing the 40 Hour Famine please donate online at 40hourfamine.com.au.
Media Contact:
Tamara Blackmore; 0417 522 974 tamara.blackmore@worldvision.com.au