By Jasmine Franklin
What does it mean to be hungry?
Students of Ponoka Composite High School will explore that question in depth during a World Vision 30-Hour Famine April 16 and 17.
“Through this project, students really realize how lucky they are,” said Brady Teeling, organizer and PCHS social studies teacher. “Basically, they do not eat for 30 hours.”
On April 16, participating students are treated to a pancake breakfast for their “last meal.” Then, from 8 a.m. to April 17 at 2 p.m., students will commence with their regular routine but are only allowed juice and water.
Last year Ponoka raised more than $4,500 with 40 students participating. This year, there are close to 90 who will sacrifice food, Teeling said, and with each student required to raise at least $50 in donations individually, he suspects more money can be raised.
“I told the kids to think if they could each raise $100, we have the capacity to raise big money here.”
Third year participant Rebecca Hetze, 16, began the famine when she was in Grade 9 and now encourages as many people to join as she can.
“It’s a good thing to do and it’s fun,” she said. “I remember the first year I did it we only had around 30 kids but now there’s so many and it really is easier than people think it is.”
After the students are dismissed from school April 16 they return to PCHS at 7 p.m. where they remain until they can break their fast. Before a night filled with acitivities begins, students watch a 20-minute video by World Vision that explains the meaning of the 30-Hour Famine.
“The presentation really makes it easier too see who we are doing this for,” Hetze said.
The students stay over night and engage in various activities such as an Xbox room, Guitar Hero and movie rooms. Separate sleeping areas for boys and girls are provided.
The event is organized by the Grade 9 advanced placement social studies class as a way of teaching them how to organize events and getting them to participate.
Autumn Ballek, North American representative for World Vision, told the Ponoka News that in 2009, Alberta raised $4.5 million for the cause.
“The 30-Hour Famine is a great way for youths to reach out to those in need in third world countries,” Ballek said. “Money raised from the event will go to the countries needing our support — this year Haiti is our focus.”
Other countries supported by the event include Cambodia, Gana and Brazil.
For more information visit www.WorldVision.ca/30hrfaminenews