Hunger and poverty are a harsh reality in the world, even in richer countries. Many children and their families are not able to afford education, proper shelter or even food. Recently, students at Ponoka Composite High School joined together to help ease the pain of poverty for children in the world.
On April 17 and 18 approximately 50 students at the high school participated in World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine.
The 52 students raised about $5,000 for World Vision.
The 30 Hour Famine was organized by Mr. Brady Teeling’s Social Advanced 9 class and included students from all the grades.
The students kicked off the famine on Friday morning after a pancake breakfast and didn’t eat again until the 30 hours were up. During the night they were shown a short video on what World Vision does and how they would be making a difference.
The rest of the night consisted of board games, X-box, movies, cards, etc.
“It went really well,” said Teeling. “I think the students had a good feeling knowing they were making a difference.”
The number of students participating in the 30 Hour Famine was up from last year’s 30 and Teeling believes that the number will go up again at next year’s event.
For Teeling, the 30 Hour Famine was encouraging and he enjoyed seeing the students have a fun time while doing something for others.
“To see 52 young people totally selfless was really great,” he said. “I think that’s what really meant the most to me--the whole idea of being selfless and thinking of others.”
World Vision 30 Hour Famine is an international youth movement to help fight hunger in the world. The Christian organization commits to working with children, families and communities to help overcome poverty.