More than 1,300 support 30-Hour Famine

Jointly organised by World Vision Hong Kong and Commercial Radio 2, the 33rd 30-Hour Famine kicked off today (9 April) at the Aberdeen Sports Ground with the theme “A 2cm Difference”. More than 1,300 people are supporting the event this year. During the opening ceremony, the participants pledged to fast 30 hours to get a taste of hunger and raise funds for the hungry children. This year, funds collected through 30-Hour Famine will be used to support World Vision’s food security projects in areas in need, such as eastern and southern Africa, Syria and neighbouring conflict-affected countries.

This year, 30-Hour Famine attracted campers from 4 to 79 years old and volunteers from all walks of life. 61-year-old Ede Yuen (袁美蓮) is not only a part-time Tai Chi instructor, but also a long-term supporter of 30-Hour Famine for over 30 years. She has been participating in the event since the days when she was a young factory worker. Despite the generation gap between her and other young campers now, she has chosen to keep on coming every year, because she believes fighting against hunger is the ultimate purpose. She doesn’t want to live her life in vain.

Meanwhile, 4-year-old Moses Wong (黃以信) is the youngest camper of this year’s event. His parents are long-term supporters of 30-Hour Famine. While little Moses is excited about the “camp”, his parents’ biggest wish is for him to not just know about the suffering of hungry people, but to truly experience it.

After joining last year’s 30-Hour Famine, 24-year-old Louis Yip (葉承杰) took one step further and joined a trip organised by World Vision to Cambodia. After witnessing the lives of the people there, he has learned to treasure things that he has and put words into action, thereby encouraging more friends to join the fight against hunger.

Guest of Honour, Financial Secretary Mr. John Tsang Chun-wah, applauded the campers at the opening ceremony, “I believe all of us are hoping for a hunger-free world. Today, we gather here for a great cause, 30-Hour Famine, to raise funds, as well as to experience the suffering of children in hunger. I am honoured to be a part of this, and am proud of your dedication and compassion.”

At the opening ceremony, LegCo members Hon. James To Kun-sun and Hon. Federick Fung Kin-kee, SBS, JP also briefly explained to campers the challenges that many countries are facing now, including climate change, war and conflicts, and poverty.

“The fight against hunger is a long battle,” said Yuen Sui-see, Board Chair of World Vision Hong Kong, “Every year, 30-Hour Famine reminds us to care for the impoverished and hungry people, and put love into actions.” He also calls for the public to Skip-A-Meal during April, and donate to support World Vision’s food security projects. (For details, please visit here or call World Vision hotline 2394 2394).

Since its first launch in Hong Kong in 1984, 30-Hour Famine has accumulated more than 91,000 participants in the past 33 years.

The organisers would like to extend special thanks to the title sponsor Agile Property Holdings Limited and major sponsor Hong Kong Communications Co., Ltd for their full support, and also Leisure and Cultural Services Department for sponsoring the venue.

Click here to learn more about global hunger.

Published on 9 Apr 2016