The 30-Hour Famine 2021, jointly organised by World Vision Hong Kong and Commercial Radio Hong Kong, kicked off today (14 January). Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's edition will be held online, with Kenny Kwan, Keung To and ILUB taking up the role of Famine Stars to invite the general public to donate and support children and families who are starving in Zimbabwe, South Sudan and Somalia.

Climate change has become a major and pressing issue of concern in recent years, the wellbeing of humanity lies in the actions we take to counter. In light of that, World Vision Hong Kong has set the theme of 30-Hour Famine 2021 as “Heated Hunger”, aiming at providing timely, adequate and continued support for vulnerable children and families facing hunger in the three African countries.

In her speech, Ms Priscilla Cheung, Chief Operating Officer of World Vision Hong Kong stated, “While global temperatures are on the rise, it’s often the people in poor countries like Zimbabwe, South Sudan and Somalia who have to suffer the consequences. These places are experiencing natural disasters, such as droughts, cyclones, floods and locust swarms, triggering crop failures and aggravating the food crisis and poverty. Through 30-Hour Famine, World Vision hopes to unite people from all walks of life to raise funds for vulnerable children and families in the three African countries, providing them with food security, nutrition and livelihoods assistance.”

Miss Jessica Tse Sai Ka, Director of 903, Commercial Radio Hong Kong said, “Various industries, sectors, and charities have been hard hit by the pandemic, while ‘New normal’ has emerged. It is our sincere hope that by embarking on a brand new 'Famine Journey' with the four Famine Stars this year, all of us can walk together with vulnerable children and families in Africa, so that they no longer have to experience hunger.”

With Hong Kong also affected by the pandemic and an economic downturn, World Vision Hong Kong extends its sincerest gratitude to Agile Group Holdings Limited, Hong Kong Communications Co. Limited and all corporate partners for their continued support, which has made 30-Hour Famine 2021 possible, and thereby enabling World Vision’s work to continue to benefit the most vulnerable children, families, and communities around the world.

Mr August Tiu, Head of Project and representative of Agile Group, the event’s principal sponsor, said, "It is our pleasure to help people in need with our capacity and abilities. By taking the lead to sponsor the 30-Hour Famine, we appeal for support from all sectors to fight against hunger and save lives around the world." Mr Ken Wu, General Manager of Hong Kong Communications, the event’s major sponsor, said, "We need long-term solutions to cope with hunger and climate change. However, small steps can make a big difference. HKC has been a strong supporter of 30-Hour Famine throughout the years, taking steps to respond to the needs."

The 30-Hour Famine 2021 was officially launched after representatives of World Vision Hong Kong, Commercial Radio Hong Kong and the sponsors presented a "boarding pass" to the Famine Stars. From now on to 20 March 2021, members of the public may make donations and support the 30-Hour Famine 2021 through the "01 Heart" (01心意) website (run by HK01) (https://heart.hk01.com/zh/project/10354) or World Vision Hong Kong's website (http://bit.ly/wvhk-30hfdl), helping the Famine Stars to obtain their "boarding passes" for the 30-hour Famine Journey on 19 and 20 March.

The first 800 donors who make a one-off donation of $500 or above on "01 Heart" or World Vision Hong Kong's website, or raise $500 or above on their personal fundraising page on "01 Heart" will be recognised as “Famine Trippers”. They will each receive a limited edition "Famine Challenge Pack", which includes a 30-Hour Famine T-shirt, a tote bag, reusable tableware and other materials.

On 19 and 20 March, the Famine Stars will embark on the Famine Journey, attempting a series of challenges in the wild and have video conversations with children from Zimbabwe, in exchange for "baggage allowance". The bigger the allowance, the more assistance will go towards helping the people of the three African countries. The event will be live-streamed on the Facebook pages of my903.com and World Vision Hong Kong.

In addition, the Famine Stars will share their feelings on social media, inviting "Famine Trippers" and members of the public to participate in the event though they are at different places. In addition, “Famine Trippers” who have received a Famine Challenge Pack can upload their cheering videos and photos of the “finished products” on Facebook or Instagram on 19 March. The Famine Stars will pick the two most touching videos, and chat with the trippers (who uploaded them during the live stream) on 20 March. They will also select two photos of “finished products” for the Ultimate Prize. The two winners will be invited to attend the closing performance with the Famine Stars on 20 March. Details will be announced on the 30-Hour Famine website (https://www.worldvision.org.hk/famine30 ) and World Vision Hong Kong’s Facebook page in due course.

For more information about 30-Hour Famine 2021, please visit: https://www.worldvision.org.hk/famine30



Published on 14 Jan 2021