Recently I had the privilege of taking part in the 30 Hour Famine at my church, and I can tell you that not consuming anything solid for 30 hours is not a pleasant thing to experience. I decided to take part in this event because I felt the need to support a starving child in a country where people live with just $1 per day, an amount so miniscule that in a country like Canada it doesn’t seem possible. When I heard that an amount of $20 could have the potential of feeding a hungry child for weeks, I decided that the $20 in my wallet should not go anywhere but into supporting a greater cause. Mother Theresa once said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” I may not have enough money to support as many as hundred people, but if could at least help one I know that I have helped that one person have hope.
There are nearly 8,000 children that die each day because of hunger, and there are currently 1 billion people that don’t have enough to eat and have scarce resources. These are staggering numbers that become an eye-opener for all of us. We take everything for granted, and to see other people around the world starve is really an unfortunate thing. Thankfully, it is youths like us that help bring change. Thousands of youths are willing to donate their time and money to fight and defeat hunger once and for all, and by experiencing hunger for themselves they realize how difficult it can be.
After completing the 30 Hour Famine, I knew I had to do it again next year. What you get out of it is a truly special feeling, one that lasts in your heart for a very long time. We as youths have the power and the ability to make a difference, and it is an event like the 30 Hour Famine that challenges and brings us together.
I encourage you to be inspired, be involved, and be hungry.
Please visit the 30 Hour Famine website at http://www.30hourfamine.org/ for more information on how to get involved. You can learn more about the 30 Hour Famine event itself and some shocking facts about hunger.