What Is 30-Hour Famine?

The 30-Hour Famine is an international movement initiated by World Vision to bring about long-term changes in impoverished communities around the world. It started in Canada in 1971 and is currently being staged, in one form or another by World Vision in 13 countries throughout the world. It has attracted sponsorship and support from government agencies, corporations and countless well-wishers everywhere and raised much-needed funds for communities in need.

Participants of the 30-Hour Famine pledge to go without solid food for 30 hours. During that time, various educational programmes are conducted to acquaint participants with the world-wide humanitarian work of World Vision. These include programmes on how to break the vicious cycle of poverty, the complexities of emergency relief and local involvement in volunteerism.

These programmes are conducted through interactive mini-talks, video presentations, and simulated games. The atmosphere is one of fun, togetherness as well as seriousness.

In Malaysia, World Vision has been organising the 30-Hour Famine for more than 10 years. Over the years, the event has grown in size and recognition. In 2009, World Vision Malaysia brought the 30-Hour Famine movement to a newer height by covering the entire Malaysia and successfully raising approximately RM1.4 million to help children and families affected by poverty and disasters in Laos, China, Myanmar, North Korea, Uzbekistan and Malaysia. Funds collected were channelled by World Vision to bring long-term development benefits to children and families in need internationally and locally. In the event of an emergency, funds were also used for emergency relief.

This year, as part of our continuous effort to widen the appeal of 30-Hour Famine, World Vision Malaysia will be introducing the 8-Hour Kidz Famine -- a child friendly version of the Famine designed specifically for children between the ages of 4 to 12. The introduction of the 8-Hour Kidz Famine is based on our belief that social consciousnees and responsibility should be inculcated from young and that it is never too young to be involved.

Additionally, we have appointed two Famine Youth Leaders from amongst the young participants who had been supporting the event through the years. These Famine Youth Leaders will act as peer leaders, sharing their knowledge and passion about World Vision to their peers.

For 2010, The 30-Hour Famine will focus on the issue on Urban Poverty with the slogan "Light Up Their Life!". Through it, we hope to highlight this real and growing challenge that is faced by all nations, regardless the stage of their socio-economic development

World Vision Malaysia's goals for the 30-Hour Famine are :

-To heighten awareness on global social issues caused by poverty and its impact on children.

-To raise funds amounting to RM 1 million that will be channelled to poverty-alleviation programmes carried out by the World Vision partnership and local NGOs.