Matthew Cheung officiates opening of 30-Hour Famine

Vegetarian urges public to cherish food as 8-month-old joins mother in fasting

The 35th 30-Hour Famine, jointly organised by World Vision Hong Kong and Commercial Radio 2, kicked off today (7 April) at the Aberdeen Sports Ground. Themed “Hunger – Violence in Disguise”, the event raises funds to provide food, nutrition and livelihood assistances to children and families affected by conflict in South Sudan, Myanmar and Syria. The Chief Secretary for Administration, along with other guests and stars, demolished a “Hunger Wall” together, expressing their shared hope that refugees would receive assistance and be able to return home someday.

At the sound of the gong, campers began the 30 hours of fasting. Anne Suen, a group leader and vegetarian, is taking part in her seventh Famine Camp with her friends. For her, 30-Hour Famine is not only a charity event, but also inspires participants to think about the relationship between people and food, learn to cherish food and share with people in need.

Eight-month-old Shu Kiu is the youngest camper this year. Her mother May has been a 30-Hour Famine participant since secondary school. May decided to sign up together to pass on to her girl the message of caring for the hungry and the poor, making her 18th 30-Hour Famine even more special.

In his opening speech, Guest of Honour Mr. Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, Chief Secretary for Administration, said that Hong Kong is a blessed place where no one has to flee home because of conflict. He praised the campers for their courage and determination to help refugees by fasting for 30 hours. LegCo members Hon. Wu Chi-wai and Dr. Hon. Kwok Ka-ki also explained the plight of refugees to raise public awareness.

Mr. Yuen Sui-see, Board Chair of World Vision Hong Kong, said there are over 400 million people around the world who are not only starving, but also living in areas affected by conflict, which has driven them out of their homes and even turned them into refugees. Their lives very often depend solely on assistance from the outside world.

The general public can donate online to support 30-Hour Famine if not being able to attend the event (please visit 30.worldvision.org.hk or call World Vision hotline 2394 2394 for details). 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.

Published on 7 Apr 2018