Over 1,300 Support 30-Hour Famine, child sponsor sold self-made greeting cards at the first-of-its-kind Famine Market

Jointly organised by World Vision Hong Kong and Commercial Radio 2, 30-Hour Famine has come to a successful close with support from over 1,300 people. The campers, aged 4 to 79 years old, fasted for 30 hours to raise funds for the hungry children in developing countries. 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.

Campers were up and excited this morning despite the heavy rain, as they listened to actor BabyJohn Choi (蔡瀚億) sharing his testimony on how he met Christ in the midst of discouragement and walked out of it in faith.

The first-of-its-kind handicraft Famine Market also went smoothly as campers gathered in the indoor sportsground. Charmaine Lau, who sold beautiful greeting cards made by her own hands at the market, is not just a talented artist, but also a dedicated child sponsor. She deeply believes that education can change lives. And she sponsors a total of five children from places including Africa, Nepal and Cambodia, stressing that many children in developing countries were not given the opportunity to go to school.

First-time camper Yuen Kwan Ho came because he wanted to support his favourite band, and left with a changed heart to care for people in need. He said he was worried that he would be hungry during the 30-hour fast and sleeping on uncomfortable floor, but when he thought about the people in developing countries who are living in condition worse than this, he realised he could help plenty just by doing little. He said he will definitely be back next year for a meaningful experience.

The Famine Market this year features products made by local youth, as well as handicrafts from World Vision supported countries like Ethiopia, Mongolia and Cambodia, etc. Campers also made their own souvenirs during the camp, and sold them together with products mentioned above to raise funds and support the fight against hunger.

Kevin Chiu, CEO of World Vision Hong Kong, said, “I am grateful for every camper’s participation and persistence in fasting for 30 hours. They showed their determination in helping hungry children. Our efforts have helped alleviate global hunger over the years, yet climate change, price inflation, and internal conflicts in various countries have hindered the progress in eradicating hunger. At this moment, there are still almost 800 million people living in chronic hunger. I hope more people will be willing to extend their helping hands to these hungry children!”

Since its first launch in Hong Kong in 1984, 30-Hour Famine has accumulated more than 91,000 participants in the past 33 years. Members of the public who did not participate in this year’s 30-Hour Famine are encouraged to join the Skip-A-Meal initiative during April, and donate to support World Vision’s food security projects. For details, please visit here or call World Vision hotline 2394 2394.

Click here to learn more about global hunger.

Published on 10 Apr 2016