Famine to raise awareness of world poverty

from the Woodstock Sentinel Review

By Heather Rivers

WOODSTOCK - Few of us know what it’s truly like to have absolutely nothing in our stomach.

But a number of local youth are about to get a chance to experience that gnawing feeling.

Today and Saturday, about 20 Oxford County schools, churches and individual groups will be fasting for 30 hours to raise money and awareness in order to combat world poverty.

"It’s an opportunity for youth to empathize with the world’s poor," said Cassandra Brubacher, World Vision’s regional representative for southwestern Ontario. "It’s gives people a chance to feel what it’s like have an empty stomach."

In Ontario, more than 100,000 participants are expected to forgo food for 30 hours - drinking only water and fruit juice.

Brubacher said the youth groups will gather together for the event this evening, taking part in games and activities or completing a community service project.


Groups often watch videos or DVDs documenting the world’s poor. One year a group of youths watched "Hotel Rwanda," Brubacher said.

Participants collect pledges from supporters for each hour they fast.

In Woodstock, groups that have confirmed they are taking part in the event include Woodstock Collegiate Institute, Huron Park Secondary School, College Avenue Secondary School and Faithway Baptist Church. They are four of about 20 organizations and individual groups that will take part in the event across the county.

Last year 295 Woodstock participants took part in the event and raised $8,714.99.
In 2007, 100,000 Canadian youth raised $4.5 million from their Canadian campaign.
Funds raised go to support project to combat hunger, improve access to clean water, address HIV and AIDS and help reintegrate former child soldiers into society.

Last year’s funds went towards projects in Mali and the Dominican Republic. This year the money raised will invested in anti-poverty projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Canada.

A recent World Vision poll found Canadian youth, ages 14 to 18, reported donating about five per cent of their money to international charitable donations. In contrast, the Canadian federal government spends about two per cent of its budget on foreign aid.

"Poverty eradication is an investment in a better global future - the future that these youth represent. The fact they’re giving considerably to international development efforts is tremendously significant," said Michael Messenger, vice-president of public affairs for World Vision.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to changing lives through overcoming poverty and injustice.
Visit www.famine.ca.