Photo by John Savage, Ethiopia
Australians have never appeared as grumpy and disillusioned as they do today, according to World Vision Australia chief executive Tim Costello
“There is a tendency to want to pull up the draw bridge, to demonise others and ironically we are gripped with a sense of fear and uncertainty that contradicts our current economic prosperity. We need to realise how blessed we are and realise that it is well within our power to give to someone who is in need,” Mr Costello said
His comments come as the charity announced it is aiming to raise $5 million during the 2012 40 Hour Famine.
The 40 Hour Famine is one of Australia’s biggest youth events, with funds raised supporting community awareness and projects for those in need.
Participants in the 40 Hour Famine are asked to go without food or something else important to them, for example Facebook or technology from August 17-19.
Elena Fakos, 21, did the 40 Hour Famine last year and said it’s an eye-opening experience.
“Even by doing the 40 Hour Famine, you can never fully experience and understand what it would be like to live in poverty but giving up food, furniture and technology has helped me to imagine what it’s like for those in Africa.”
Sheree Fitzgerald, 17, is readying herself for the 40 Hour Famine this year. In her last year of high school, Sheree is refusing to consume any food in hopes to raise more than $150 for the cause.
“It won’t be easy for me. It’s something I’ve really wanted to do for quite a long time, and I see it as a challenge. I have a supportive family and it’s for an amazing cause, so whatever happens it will be worth it,” Miss Fitzgerald said.
Miss Fitzgerald said her high school promotes students to do the 40 Hour Famine, with frequent visits from World Vision spokespeople.
“Our school likes to stick with those dates [August 17 – 19] so that it doesn’t interfere with our study, and we’ll have the support of our families.”
“Most of the [students] I have spoken to at my school are willing to give up food. There are people who are giving up their thumbs by taping them to their hands. Another boy is giving up speaking; someone else is giving up the Internet,” Miss Fitzgerald said.
Student nutritionist, Lauren Farrugia promotes the giving up of food for the 40 Hour Famine.
“I believe it’s a great cause. Health concerns shouldn’t be a worry, so long as participants are mindful of having a good meal before hand and retaining their energy,” she said.
Mr Costello said that the money raised will reach those in need.
“World Vision money gets there, we’re audited by PriceWaterhouseCoopers and we’ve won a transparency award. Without the gifts people give, things would be much, much worse.”
In 40 hours Australians spend:
- Almost $31.8 million on fast food meals
- Almost $9.8 million on hygiene products, hair care and cosmetics
- More than $4.1 million on chocolate confectionery
- More than $3.7 million for the interest on credit card debts
This money could provide more than:
- 1,000 wells in developing African communities
- Immunise more than 425,000 African children against preventable diseases
- Provide more than 200 kilometres of water pipe for long-term drought proofing
- Provide food for a year for nearly 3 million starving people
For more information on the 40 hour famine, go to The 40 -Hour Famine Website
Or to donate to World Vision Australia, see:World Vision Donation
What do you think would be the hardest thing to give up for 40 hours ?
