World Vision’s “low-carbon version” of 30-Hour Famine ends on a high note

Conflict, climate extremes and other factors are combining to create a food crisis of unprecedented proportions. Nearly 800 million people around the world go to bed hungry every day, more than 30% of whom live in Africa. In view of the situation, World Vision Hong Kong (WVHK) first launched the “low-carbon version” of 30-Hour Famine this year. The event was successfully held at Noah’s Ark from 3 November to 4 November. Participants fasted for 8 hours or 30 hours, experienced “heated hunger”, and raised funds for children and families suffering from hunger in Africa.

The low-carbon version of 30-Hour Famine was supported by honourable guests and celebrities. Guests attending the Prize Presentation included the Guest of Honour - Professor Simon Wong, Chairman of Environmental Campaign Committee; Mr Edmond Chan, Board Chair of WVHK; Ms Amy Fung, Chief Executive Officer of WVHK, and Dr Hubert Chan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Communications Co. Limited.

Mr Lam Chiu-ying, former director of the Hong Kong Observatory, served as a guest speaker at the sharing session held on 3 November. He addressed the injustice issue of carbon emissions in rich countries causing children in fragile contexts to face hunger, as well as the impact of climate change on Hong Kong citizens and vulnerable groups around the globe, and discussed with participants ways to go green in everyday life. “Climate change is an existential crisis for humanity. On the one hand, we have to reduce our daily consumption of electricity and turn off air conditioners. On the other hand, we have to shop less to reduce carbon emissions,” Mr Lam said in the sharing session.

The event wrapped up with the finale concert on the evening of 4 November. The concert was performed by singer-songwriter Miss Yoyo Sham, poetic pop duo per se, rappers Heyo and Triple G, together with indie band R.O.O.T, hoping to help vulnerable people suffering from hunger.

This year’s event also features a number of low-carbon activities, such as hunt challenge in the Ark, electricity generating bike challenge, as well as upcycling workshops, creating a memorable experience for participants and encouraging them to make a difference by taking actions.

Ms Amy Fung expressed her sincere gratitude to all participants, donors, and event sponsors for their great support to 30-Hour Famine. She said, “Extreme weather events linked to climate change are becoming more frequent. After experiencing record-breaking weather events, climate change has made its presence felt in Hong Kong, making us more aware of the hardship caused by natural disasters and hunger faced by people living in poor countries. World Vision invites all participants and members of the public to adopt a low-carbon lifestyle, take care of the environment, and look into matters related climate change and hunger.”

Professor Simon Wong said in his speech, “The Environmental Campaign Committee is committed to promoting a concerted effort to achieve carbon neutrality. As the chairman of the committee, I find this year’s low-carbon version of 30-Hour Famine very meaningful - promoting environmental awareness and low-carbon lifestyle has a bigger aspiration, not only for the sake of protecting our planet for future generations, but also helping the poorest and most vulnerable communities around the world.”

The proceeds of this year’s 30-Hour Famine will go to World Vision’s projects in Africa, providing food supplies, healthcare support, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities to affected children, families, and commuities. World Vision calls on the members of the public to continue to support the vulnerable communities in need through online donations. For details, please visit https://www.worldvision.org.hk/famine30

Special thanks were given to the event’s principal sponsor Hong Kong Communications Co. Limited, major sponsor Prince of Peace Charity Foundation, and all the sponsors offering full support and making the event a success, including E-GO Mobility Limited, Hong Kong Young Talents Association, Noah's Ark Hong Kong, Otsuka Pharmaceutical (HK) Limited, Spread-it, Sunlight REIT and Trappist Dairy, as well as CHOMP, FlashGreen, KIBO and Yindii, startups that are committed to promoting low-carbon lifestyle and waste reduction.

Published on 5 November 2023